Healing from Sexual Violence

Given that our SAAM 2023 theme is all about drawing connections, it’s vital to reflect on one of the most important connections we can make-the one with ourselves. The path to healing is a complex journey. Therapeutic outlets are one of the most common ways survivors of trauma express, process, and find closure in their lives. Although therapy and counseling are becoming increasingly common, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming-especially when one is at the start of their healing journey.

The following list is meant to connect folks with resources that address an array of issues in the Indigenous and Native community.

Survivor & Domestic Violence Resources

A Toolkit for Action Tribal Community Response When a Woman Is Missing  from National Indigenous Women's Resource Center

I did my PhD field research in Nairobi, Kenya, over the period of about nine months over 2019 and 2020. I was doing a qualitative study of strategies for wellbeing among Congolese refugees in the city and met some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. Unfortunately, my time was also peppered with experiences of sexual harassment, particularly at the hands of two of my male informants. These men were both leaders in their respective communities and acted as ‘gatekeepers,’ controlling the level of access I had to large numbers of participants.

The following listing of survivor communities and hubs are intended to provide online support through the use of forums, chat rooms, self-help, and general resources to survivors of sexual violence. These resources are organized by the following: peer support, military service members and veterans, male survivors, culturally specific online support, and support for partners of sexual abuse survivors. Sexual Assault Programs should review these resources to become familiar with them before offering recommendations to survivors.

The last year and half has shown me just how many skills I’ve developed since experiencing trauma. For many of my friends and family, I’m the person to go to when sh*t hits the fan. “Hey you used to be a mess, maybe you can help?” Needless to say, I’ve gotten a lot of phone calls since April 2020.

Vanessa C. Marcano-Kelly is a native of Caracas, Venezuela. She is a certified court interpreter in the state of Iowa, owner and lead linguist at Caracas Language Solutions, LLC since 2015. Learn more about Vanessa on her website.