Building Resilience: Conversations is a 12 episode podcast series for rural advocates about serving adult survivors of child sexual abuse. These resources will help rural advocacy programs understand the ways that child sexual abuse impacts survivors throughout the lifespan and how the impact and healing of child sexual abuse manifests into adulthood.
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 list shares online support options for 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.
You are not alone. Even in disasters, help is available.
The support of caring friends and family members can make a world of difference for survivors.
Our new resource collection shares opportunities to prevent sexual violence before, during, and after disasters.
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.
Check out this sample curriculum using our tools on supporting advocates who work with male survivors.