This section discusses lived experiences of trauma and resilience. Please take care of yourself while reading
Insights coming alive through survivors' own voices—explore survivor stories here
A SURVIVORS VOICE
"Survivors are the true experts in their own lives. Their authentic insights—drawn from lived experiences—reveal the real challenges, barriers, and gaps in systems like law enforcement, healthcare, housing, and social services in ways that data or reports alone never can."
Authentic Insight into Lived Experiences:
Survivors bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges, barriers, and gaps in systems like law enforcement, healthcare, housing, and social services. By sharing their stories, they provide a human-centered perspective that data or reports can’t fully capture. For example, they can highlight specific moments where interventions succeeded or failed, helping stakeholders understand what works and what doesn’t.
Highlighting Resilience and Coping Strategies:
Survivors’ resilience—demonstrated through their ability to navigate trauma, rebuild their lives, and pursue thriver-ship—offers powerful lessons. They can share practical strategies for coping, such as building support networks or accessing resources, which can inspire other survivors and inform professionals on how to better support clients.
Experience Can Equal Activism, Activism Can Create Change
AMPLIFYING VOICES TO IMPACT THE FUTURE
Hearing directly from survivors is essential. Hearing from the committed stakeholders, agencies, and leaders who choose to listen, learn, and act is just as powerful. When both voices rise together, real change happens.
