tiips

WARNING: This episode is explicit and detailed in the descriptions of attempted suicide, self-harm, rape, and sexual assault. It is not appropriate for children, and extreme discretion is advised in keeping the listening audience restricted to only appropriately aged and emotionally capable persons. If you are activated and are having thoughts of suicide and need immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. Or, if you are activated and need immediate help regarding a past rape or sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault telephone hotline, call 1-800.656.hope (4673).  This is the concluding episode of Bailie’s powerful and impactful interview. Since it is the second part of an interview that was broken into two parts, I have added 20 seconds of the last part of her first episode, to the beginning of this episode, for the sake of context and continuity. Bailie’s life was a difficult and complex reaction to what she understands to possibly be part genetic predisposition, and part patterned behavior that comes from family culture, lifestyle, environment, social impacts from those around her, and worldview. And all of this is part and parcel of what she believes inclined her to have suicidal ideation, self-harm acts, and attempts on her own life. And Bailie also has a very strong belief and understanding that she is alive today because of the insights and self-compassion she has gleaned from therapy, and from having a safe place for her to talk to those who care about her and want her to be safe, alive, and mentally secure in daily life. And to her credit, Bailie has done a lot of hard work to get where she is today…secure in the thought that her suicidal past is her past. Bailie is an active, strong, and proud leader and participant in the LGBTQ community in the Napa County area. She offers hope, guidance, support and encouragement to anyone who asks her for help. And she has graciously agreed to be there for anyone in the SASS audience who is a childhood sexual assault victim or survivor, who is part of the LGBTQ community who is struggling on their journey towards dealing with and healing from their difficult past. Contact Bailie; she’s willing to listen and help in anyway she can. And she’s offering do to this from a safe space. So, don’t be shy…reach out to her. Her contact information is below. Thank you for listening to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. Please subscribe to the podcast to help it grow, and to avail yourself to new episodes as they are released. And if you’re willing, please rate the podcast (5 stars is my personal favorite!), and feel free to leave me a comment about how SASS has impacted your life in positive ways.   Finally, let’s all do our part in bringing justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. Start by Believing. Stop victim blaming. Be empathic and listen. Because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. **September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the U.S. Please help the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) raise awareness by sharing resources that help others recognize the warning signs for suicide and know how to get help. And call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 if you are looking for immediate help and support with thoughts of suicide, or if you know someone who needs help. ** #suicideprevention #lgbtqconnection #SPM23 #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergfoundation #thrivivors #sassyselfdefenseguide #ericbarreras #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #baylor #ashforduniversity #uofaglobalcampus #psychologymajor #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #gettraumainformed #forcescience

41. Nicole Florisi: The Impact of Vicarious Trauma on Our Unsung Heroes: Victim Advocates There is a population of unsung heroes in the criminal justice world: victim advocates. In the realm of sexual assault within the criminal justice system, victim advocates play a crucial role that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. These dedicated individuals provide much-needed support, guidance, and empowerment to survivors throughout their harrowing journey. Despite the immense importance of their work, victim advocates often go unrecognized, quietly championing the cause of survivors and tirelessly working to bring about justice and healing. Furthermore, victim advocates are instrumental in bridging the gap between survivors and the criminal justice system. They act as liaisons, working closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other professionals to ensure survivors' needs are met and their rights are respected. Advocates help survivors navigate the legal system, accompanying them to court proceedings, providing information about their case's progress, and advocating for their wishes to be heard. Their tireless efforts and dedication often lead to improved outcomes for survivors, as they help reduce retraumatization and create a more survivor-centered approach within the criminal justice system. However, the intensity of the work that victim advocates undertake can take a devastating toll on their own well-being. Constant exposure to the traumatic experiences of survivors puts them at risk of experiencing vicarious trauma. Witnessing the pain and suffering endured by survivors can deeply impact victim advocates, leading to symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and a decline in mental health. The weight of hearing survivors' stories and witnessing their trauma firsthand can become overwhelming, eroding their own resilience and leaving them vulnerable to the long-term effects of vicarious trauma. Despite the profound impact they have on the lives of survivors, it is crucial that we acknowledge and address the immense challenges faced by victim advocates, providing them with the necessary support and resources to protect their own mental and emotional well-being. Nicole Florisi, a three-time guest on this show, joins us to help us understand the dynamics that she knows all-too-well. Nicole is a mental health therapist, a former cop, and a current instructor to the criminal justice profession; she has experienced herself the impact that vicarious trauma has on victim advocates and front-line responders who hear and face the horrors of victim and survivor trauma on a daily basis and absorb the compounding effects of vicarious trauma. This is a powerful, insightful, and healing episode…with an eye toward prevention of PTSD and the effects of neglecting vicarious trauma. Give this episode a listen…then, rate it, and leave a comment for Nicole to tell her how much this episode helped you understand more about the work victim advocates do, and how much they need our support and help to fight back against the impacts and effects of vicarious trauma.   Keep an eye out for updates to these notes, including links to the books that Nicole talks about, and some additional details on some of the techniques and strategies that anyone can, and should, use to help alleviate the impact of vicarious trauma, as well as direct trauma. In the meantime, please do all you can to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault…because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. And, as always, Start by Believing!