As I arrived in the mountains of Montana for the Survivor Retreat, I was welcomed into a space of beauty and peace. The cozy housing and pleasant nature allowed for many walks, conversations, and learning experiences in the warm sunshine and fresh air. It was the perfect healing setting.

We Are HER was invited to speak at the Georgetown Day School’s annual Summit on Sexual Assault and Consent in Washington D.C.

Danielle shares the stunning realization that what she calls her “day of innocence” — a beautiful day with her son — was the same day her attacker was busy planning an assault in her own home. After a grueling court battle in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Danielle works daily to not only cope but to thrive by writing her story of sexual assault and becoming an advocate for others, all while counting down the days to 12 years from now when her attacker will be released from prison.

In this episode, Grey reflects on their childhood and the abuse and neglect they received from their father. Now, as an adult, they are starting to question what healthy parenting looks like. Grey shares how as a teen, they didn’t always have the healthiest coping mechanisms but is able to share without shame. It’s clear Grey is learning to have compassion for themselves as well as sadness, as they begin healing their inner child.

Sydney Rae Chin is a destruction + liberation edu-guide who empowers humans to break up with societal norms through intuitive guidance. Sydney got into this work after experiencing sexual assault and going through the Title IX process. In this episode, Sydney shares their own story, talks about the limitations of online platforms like Instagram, and discusses how college sexual assault survivors need more options than Title IX in order to feel heard from higher ed.

With honesty and humility, Chris shares his journey of realization into the past traumas of his parents and how this cycle continued to play out in his own parenting dynamics. Chris shares his awakening that came amidst a parent training curriculum as part of his role overseeing a nonprofit parenting education program. Recognizing finally that he had been parenting through his own traumatic experiences, Chris fought through the shame and guilt to do the hard work of introspection necessary to set boundaries with family and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.

It's time for the holidays which means GIFTS! Why not make this holiday season a little extra special by supporting brands by and for survivors?

When Boom’s boss sexually assaulted her at a company camping retreat, she was frozen with fear and disbelief until the next morning when she told a close coworker what had happened. As if in a trance, she moved through the next four days without speaking to anyone. When an HR representative from her company called to ask if she had been inappropriately involved with another leader, the floodgates burst open and her mix of fear, anger, and shame came flooding out. Boom shares her long road of navigating police procedure, her family’s concerns, and her eventual return to work. With strength and grace, Boom dove into her healing journey centered on helping and empowering others.

November is Native American Heritage Month! This month is dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous peoples. It is also an opportune time to help raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities, especially Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.

When a man close to Kirielle’s family began smothering her with unreciprocated attention at 16, he, her church, and her family conditioned her to believe he was her only choice. After succumbing to marriage, she tumbled into a cycle of depression, manipulation, and assault. Her abuser was a master at twisting reality and convinced her it was all her fault, but there was a glimmer of self-preservation and Kiriele joined the military. As her husband’s abuse escalated in response to her attempts at self-preservation and independence, Kiriele found solace in new friends and a counselor, and recognized her story in a podcast she was listening to — the early seasons of We Are HER. When she learned that she could be a guest on HER, she used it as the catalyst to break free, begin her healing journey, and share her story to empower other survivors.