How do these two experiences interact with one another? And what insights do black survivors have to say to those at the beginning of their healing journey? Hear from a panel of survivors about what their experiences have been speaking to others and seeking support.

Meet The Panelists

Havilah Malone

Havilah Malone is an Executive Producer, Actress, and 3x Best Selling Author on a mission to be a catalyst for positive change in over 2 Billion people’s lives. The Inspirational Thought Leader & former Ms. Louisiana Universal has been featured on FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, Huffington Post and more.

Havilah graduated from college at the age of nineteen with two degrees, and went on to manage a $160 Million dollar business for tech giant Hewlett Packard by age 21, while also serving as their On-Air Host on QVC, HSN, Shop at Home TV and America’s Store. Havilah has been featured in numerous films, national TV commercials, and known for her roles in HBO’S Barry, Insecure, NCIS: New Orleans, and (4) Super Bowl Commercials. She is currently in production on a Spoken Word Album.

This multi-talented manifester shares her pillars of success with audiences around the world to help female Creatives and Entrepreneurs multiply their impact and #BeProofOfWhatsPossible. Havilah also serves as a 2024 Activate Delegate at Arts for LA. Ms. Malone is a recipient of the NOW (Network of Outstanding Women) 2023 “Artist of Year” Award (for Acting and Producing), the Women’s Prosperity Network “She Rocks Award”, and Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal from the President of the United States. Havilah holds several professional accreditations including Master Certified Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Silva Method, and Certified Instructor for the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Havilah’s #1 Best Selling Books include: “Rewriting A New History: A Spiritual Path to Audacious Authenticity and Healing“, co-author of the Think & Grow Rich children’s classic, “The Amazing Adventures of Oliver Young Napoleon Hill” in collaboration with the Napoleon Hill Foundation, and “How to Become a Publicity Magnet: In Any Market via TV, Radio & Print”. Whether through writing transformational books, speaking on stages, acting on screen, or the development and funding of television and film projects, Havilah’s nurturing spirit, inspirational voice and magnetizing personality inspire people to #BeProofOfWhatsPossible.

Shannon Bobo

“With a foundation in casting, where I’ve served as an associate and honed my skills, I’ve discovered the profound ability to help individuals portray the best versions of themselves. My mission on this planet is to empower everyone to find their voice, and all my endeavors align with supporting this cause.

My background spans film, TV, radio, live performances, live video streaming, casting, and producing. Currently, I thrive both behind the scenes as a casting director and in front of the camera as an actor, host, and stand-up comic. As the founder of Shannon Bobo Casting, established in 2019, I oversee the casting process for various projects, ranging from on-camera commercials to Disney’s LaunchPad Series on Disney+ and full-length feature films.

A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, I actively contribute to the LA SAG-AFTRA Sexual Harassment Committee. My lifelong ambassadorship for PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) reflects my commitment to supporting survivors of sexual trauma. In addition to my professional pursuits, I’m crafting a book titled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forgiveness advocating for peace through forgiveness, self-love, and healing.”

— Shannon Bobo’s Official Bio

Jayce Baron

Jayce Baron is an Afro-Latinx globally recognized Award-Winning Screenwriter and Author, Executive Producer, Director, Political Figure, and Advocate for the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community. Founder of jBaron Creative House, he has an organic desire to bring a conscious conversation to the community through endless mediums. He has merged his entertainment career and natural civil duty to humanity for over a decade from contributing at NBC to an independent podcast he hosted and produced garnering over half a million streams and listened to in over 50 countries worldwide.

In early 2022, Jayce Executively Produced and Directed the riveting documentary, BEYOND ED BUCK, alongside Emmy Award Winning FX Pose star, Hailie Sahar, which premiered on AMC’s streaming platform ALLBLK. Beyond Ed Buck went on to be recognized in several national and international film festivals and screenings, taking home several awards. He has been featured and worked with entities such as Forbes, The City of LA, Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, FOX, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, Gilead, and many more. Over the years, Jayce has received public recognition from several predominant political figures from cities, counties, and states across the US for his contribution to society. In 2016, Jayce was invited to The Capital to continue to bring awareness to sexual assault and was part of passing bill SB816 revoking the statute of limitation on rape charges in the state of California. He was named one of the 16 Heroes alongside Joe Biden, Ashley Judd, and others in 2016.

He currently works in tandem as an Advisory Board Member with Yale University’s Psychology Department studying cases of male sexual assault survivors. His advocacy trickled into media as he Executively Produced, THE LIFTED, an action drama film tackling the realities of sexual assault occurrences in rideshare services. The film won the John Singleton Embrace Award presented by the City of Los Angeles.

In February 2024, Jayce Baron was unanimously voted into his Neighborhood Council through the City of Los Angeles. He currently Co-Chairs the Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion Committee and is a standing member of the Government Relations Committee. He was also appointed to Los Angeles District Attorney’s Latine Advisory Board.

Lakeydra Houston

Lakeydra Houston is a 20-year US Air Force veteran and founder of KEY Fit (Knowledge, Empowerment, and You-nity), focusing on wellness, veteran support, and suicide prevention. Dedicated to bridging trauma and healing, she empowers survivors of sexual assault and veterans through comprehensive guidance and advocacy. Awarded the 2024 Presidential Gold Volunteer Award and the Air Force Legion of Merit, Lakeydra has shared her story on CBS, Dateline NBC, and more, raising awareness and inspiring change.

She holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Human Resources, and Leadership, and is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on military and trauma. Lakeydra’s initiatives, including K.E.Y Fit LLC and Voices We Stand, leverage her personal journey to support survivors. Certified as an ASSIST, victim advocate, and resiliency trainer, she has over a decade of experience in domestic violence, youth empowerment, and mental health support. Active in community outreach, Lakeydra collaborates with organizations like the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and The Pink Berets. Her mission is to impact the military community and advocate for justice for survivors and victims.

Support Is Available

Ujima

Ujima The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, addresses the pervasive issues of sexual assault, and domestic and community violence within the Black Community. We champion the empowerment and resilience of Black women and girls.

Website

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective

Our mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing through education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts.

Website

Black Mental Health Alliance

The Black Mental Health Alliance focuses on improving mental health services for Black individuals, families, and communities by providing resources, education, and support to address mental health disparities. They work to enhance access to culturally competent care and empower Black communities to take control of their mental well-being.

Website

The post Black Survivors Discussing Mental Health appeared first on Survivors.org.

The Shatter The Red Zone Summit is an online webinar consisting of several different 45 minute panels with the intent to educate college students on how to respond to and prevent sexual violence on their campus.

Support Is Available

KnowYourIX

Know Your IX is youth- and survivor-led project of Advocates for Youth empower students to end gender-based and sexual violence in schools.

Website

End Rape on Campus (EROC)

End Rape on Campus (EROC) works to end campus sexual violence through direct support for survivors and their communities; prevention through education; and policy reform at the campus, local, state, and federal levels.

Website

Take Back The Night

The TBTN legal team provides free information about your legal options upon receiving your intake form or hotline call. At this time, we are only able to provide support for US-based cases. The TBTN National Sexual Assault Legal Hotline is available 24-7 so you immediately connect with a real person. They will listen without judgment and take down the details of your case to share with our legal team members.  

Free Legal Assistance: 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837) or fill out the impact form

Website

The post Shatter The Red Zone Summit 2023 appeared first on Survivors.org.

The Shatter The Red Zone Summit is an online webinar consisting of several different 45 minute panels with the intent to educate college students on how to respond to and prevent sexual violence on their campus.

Support Is Available

KnowYourIX

Know Your IX is youth- and survivor-led project of Advocates for Youth empower students to end gender-based and sexual violence in schools.

Website

End Rape on Campus (EROC)

End Rape on Campus (EROC) works to end campus sexual violence through direct support for survivors and their communities; prevention through education; and policy reform at the campus, local, state, and federal levels.

Website

Take Back The Night

The TBTN legal team provides free information about your legal options upon receiving your intake form or hotline call. At this time, we are only able to provide support for US-based cases. The TBTN National Sexual Assault Legal Hotline is available 24-7 so you immediately connect with a real person. They will listen without judgment and take down the details of your case to share with our legal team members.  

Free Legal Assistance: 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837) or fill out the impact form

Website

The post Shatter The Red Zone Summit 2024 appeared first on Survivors.org.

Learn More About The Panelists

Erin Merryn

“After suffering years of sexual abuse for six years of her childhood Erin broke her silence when she was 13 at a Children’s Advocacy Center. The place Erin reclaimed her voice and began her journey to healing. Erin has spoken at over 250 CAC events.

In 2008, she began writing legislators to require personal body safety be taught to kids in school. This decision has brought her on a crusade across America to pass what is known as Erin’s Law. Erin’s Law is the first US child sexual abuse prevention education law requiring children be educated in schools. Erin has been traveling state to state testifying to lawmakers to pass Erin’s law for 7 years.”

— Erin Merryn’s Official Bio

Antuan Raimone

“Affectionately known as Magic, PAVE Ambassador Antuan Raimone gave his first TEDX Talk in March of 2018. He has also spoken at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and at other conferences for the Offices of Victim Services in Albany, NY as a Survivor of childhood sexual abuse. He is an  Advisory Council Member/Advocate/Speaker with the Offices of Victim Services of NYC against sexual assault/abuse and volunteers with Live Out Loud of NYC as an openly gay role model to LGBTQ+ Youth.

His first career as a Singer/Dancer/Actor/Choreographer in Musical Theatre spans two decades. Currently, he’s a Universal Swing for the Pulitzer Prize and 11x TONY award-winning musical Hamilton. Prior, he was in the Grammy and 4x TONY award-winning In the Heights and has performed at Radio City Music Hall and The Grand Ole Opry with the Rockettes.

After repeated incidents of childhood sexual abuse, Antuan Magic Raimone lived his life from a place of fear, not wanting to risk standing in the light of his truest self. When he realized that “being afraid of what may happen keeps us from living in the love of what is happening,” Raimone chose to become a Soldier of Love-a person who acknowledges fear, but chooses to live from love instead.”

— Antuan Raimone’s Official Bio

Shannon Bobo

“With a foundation in casting, where I’ve served as an associate and honed my skills, I’ve discovered the profound ability to help individuals portray the best versions of themselves. My mission on this planet is to empower everyone to find their voice, and all my endeavors align with supporting this cause.

My background spans film, TV, radio, live performances, live video streaming, casting, and producing. Currently, I thrive both behind the scenes as a casting director and in front of the camera as an actor, host, and stand-up comic. As the founder of Shannon Bobo Casting, established in 2019, I oversee the casting process for various projects, ranging from on-camera commercials to Disney’s LaunchPad Series on Disney+ and full-length feature films.

A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, I actively contribute to the LA SAG-AFTRA Sexual Harassment Committee. My lifelong ambassadorship for PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) reflects my commitment to supporting survivors of sexual trauma. In addition to my professional pursuits, I’m crafting a book titled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forgiveness advocating for peace through forgiveness, self-love, and healing.”

— Shannon Bobo’s Official Bio

Support Is Available

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

Phone: 988

Chat: Click here to chat

Text: Send any message to 988

Website

National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country.

Phone: 800-656-4673
Chat: Click here to chat

Website

National Domestic Violence Hotline

We are here to serve all those impacted by relationship abuse 24/7 confidentially. Due to high demand, you may experience longer wait times to connect with a live advocate.

Phone: 800-799-7233

Text: “START” to 88788

Online chat: Click here to start chat

Website

The post Healthy Love After Trauma appeared first on Survivors.org.

Learn More About The Panelists

Maryann Samreth

“Mary Kethya Khuon, SEP, is a somatic coach, writer, and international speaker. She empowers people to cultivate emotional resiliency to become the leaders of their dreams as a trained Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She founded her digital wellness brand, Sincerely Miss Mary, in 2020 after 9 years of working as a luxury handbag designer in NYC, reaching over 1 million people across all social media platforms. She is the creator of the Write & Release framework, where she helps people regulate their emotions and nervous system through writing, an accessible tool to provide mental health equity for marginalized groups. Mary facilitates her workshops for public schools, universities, mental health institutions, and prison reform organizations.”

—Maryann Samreth’s Official Bio

Nadya Okamoto

“Nadya Okamoto is the co-Founder of August, a lifestyle period brand working to reimagine periods to be powerful. She is also the author of the book PERIOD POWER: a Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement, and founder and former Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, PERIOD. Outside of her work in the menstrual health space, Okamoto is also a social media creator with over 4m followers on TikTok, producer and host of the podcast, Tigress, a mental health advocate, and known as a Gen Z marketing expert. She recently graduated from Harvard College, class of 2021.

Her debut book, PERIOD POWER, published by Simon & Schuster in 2018, made the Kirkus Reviews list for Best Young Adult Nonfiction that year.”

—Nadya Okamoto‘s Official Bio

Sheel Bhuta

“In 2012, my body went on strike and I was bedridden. In being forced to slowdown, I became acutely aware of my intuitive & healing gifts. I traveled the world to progress my gifts, be healed and learn healing. Now, I have healed my depression, anemia, asthma, gallstones and reversed some of the damage caused by Multiple Sclerosis. I have struggled and now my whole purpose is to ease the suffering in others. I want my methods of healing to be fun, accessible and relatable. I am here to prove that you do not need to be a hippie to be happy. I will help you create serenity in every environment you are in. “

—Sheel Bhuta‘s Official Bio

Support Is Available

Asian Taskforce Against Domestic Violence

ATASK provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to Asian survivors of domestic violence, offering support for their mental health and overall well-being.

24-Hour Multilingual Hotline: 617.338.2355

Website

SouthAsianTherapists.org

We are the largest South Asian mental health therapist and counselling community in the world. Our directory has hundreds of South Asian therapists, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghani and Nepali heritage. Here you can find culturally competent South Asian mental health professionals to help you get the support you’re looking for. 

Website

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-based Violence

We believe in men and their loved ones healing through community and relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing the pain and trauma that men experience. By supporting men to heal, we hope to help heal the world.

Website

The post Asian American and Pacific Islander Survivor Panel appeared first on Survivors.org.

Learn More About The Panelists

Tim Lennon

Tim is a survivor of rape and sexual abuse by a Catholic priest when he was twelve; he buried memories of that abuse for over 48 years. He has volunteered with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, SNAP, since 1995, serving 3 years as President of the Board. Tim continues to be active locally and nationally, presently co-leader of SNAP in Arizona. See Tim’s website for more information: StandUpSpeakup.org

Yonah Kohn

Advocate and survivor, Yonah has been speaking up about sexual violence he experienced as a boy and the resulting consequences. He believe that what survivors need is to be listened to and offered as much support as possible with compassion and empathy. Yonah strives to build a world where survivors are given their power back and where sexual violence no longer exists.

Jeff Dion

“Jeff Dion is an attorney, survivor, and nationally recognized victim advocate. He comes to the Zero Abuse Project after more than twenty years with the National Center for Victims of Crime, where he served as Director of the National Crime Victim Bar Association. He has led efforts to reform civil statutes of limitation to expand access to justice for victims of child sex abuse.

From 2002 to 2010, Jeff served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Criminal Justice Services Board, where he chaired the Victim Services Advisory Committee. He has received numerous awards including the 2006 Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award presented by the U.S. Department of Justice for outstanding innovation and commitment to crime victim legislation. He earned his undergraduate and law degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University.”

–Jeff Dion’s Official Bio

Steve Peacock

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Steve talks openly and frankly about the life-long impact of the aftermath of what was done to him so that others don’t struggle in isolation. After not telling anyone for a decade and another two decades of public secrecy, Steve knows firsthand the destructive nature of the shame and blame that are so commonly experienced by childhood sexual assault survivors. With the help of his family, close friends, a significant investment in mental health therapy and a chance encounter with the founders of I Have The Right To, Steve has discovered a healthier, loving path forward – one that passes that shame and blame from the abused to the abusers, where it rightly belongs.

Support Is Available

1 in 6

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. Our mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

Virtual Support Groups: Join a 1 in 6 Support Group here

Website

MaleSurvivor

For 26 years, MaleSurvivor has fostered a healing community where tens of thousands of men from more than 200 countries come together to find support, information and — most importantly — hope.

Website

MenHealing

We believe in men and their loved ones healing through community and relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing the pain and trauma that men experience. By supporting men to heal, we hope to help heal the world.

Website

The post Male Survivors Panel appeared first on Survivors.org.

Learn More About The Panelists

Jean Ruggiero

Jean has been involved with PAVE for 8 years now. Jean has actively spoken out against sexual violence with her own story of high school sexual assault. Following high school Jean began working with PAVE and sharing her story. She has spoken at schools, events, university events, and rape crisis centers.

Jean is a currently masters social work student at Quinnipiac University. She aims to continue to work with survivors in a more therapeutic setting.  Jean is also a member of the LGBTQ community and has faced sexual violence in relation to that as well. Jean is an experienced speaker who wants survivors to know they are never alone on their journey.

Lee

“My name is Lee. I am 19 years old and I am a survivor of sexual abuse/ violence. I have an amazing dog, her name is Mabel. I hope to continue to uplift and support survivors. it is a dream of mine to work for pave I’ve seen the phenomenal work they’ve done for survivors and people like me. I just want to be the beacon of hope that so many other survivors before me have given me.”

Nicole

Nicole has been involved with Pave for 6 years. She is a high school assault survivor who finds strength in sharing her story. Every year on her survivor- anniversary she finds peace in re-sharing her story in hopes to help other survivors feel supported. Nicole was a competitive volleyball player for 12+ years and was unable to finish her college athletic dreams due to an injury she sustained during her assault. Today she coaches volleyball part time to continue the love she had for her sport that her abuser stripped away, she spends her full-time work week as a Patient Care Coordinator at a women’s health clinic supporting women and their bodies. Nicole believes there is a staggering beauty to be found in trauma and healing, she hopes to continue to support survivors in their healing journey.

Osito Avalos

“I’m Osito Avalos, I’m a 15 year old sophomore that’s trying to do their best at home and at school. I come from a single parent household due to violence within the household. I love my mom since I know she does all she can for me and I do the same for her. We’ve stuck together despite all of the violence within the household which has only made our relationship stronger. If I can do it so can you.”

Delaney Henderson

Delaney Henderson’s story made headlines when she was sexually assaulted by two boys with whom she went to high school with. After repeated attacks in school and on social media, Delaney decided to share her experience with the world as she came forward with her story at 17 years old. Delaney was repeatedly bullied and re-traumatized following her sexual assault and was named publicly in a rap song that was published which also threatened her life. Being an unprecedented case and the first of its kind, this rap song made its way to the California Supreme Court of Appeals which overturned the previous judge’s decision to throw out the case claiming freedom of speech, and they also agreed to have this case published because of the importance behind it.

As an ambassador of PAVE, Delaney’s story has been featured on a 48 Hours Special Edition Episode on CBS as well as the Television Show, Crime Watch Daily on Broadcast syndication. She was invited to the Sundance International Film Festival to speak on behalf of sexual assault victims across the nation in a documentary on Netflix called Audrie & Daisy, in which her story is also featured in. Delaney graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and aims to spark a change in culture by sharing her powerful story with many young adults, parents and survivors.

Delaney is a frequent contributor to national headline media and has been featured in Huffington Post, New York Times and MTV with an article she has written regarding her story. She recently wrote a powerful letter to the Stanford Survivor in the rape case scandal and her breath-taking letter was picked up by People Magazine, Teen Vogue Magazine, Buzzfeed, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Daily Mail, Womanista, Yahoo, Thought Catalog and Noozhawk. Delaney is also a returning survivor advocate expert for the Bipartisan Congression Taskforce Against Sexual Violence.

The post Teen Survivors: Healing After Sexual Violence appeared first on Survivors.org.

Meet The Panelists

Zahara hussain (she/her/ella)

R.A.C.E.S – Urbana, Illinois

Hello everyone! I’m Zahara Hussain. I grew up in Surrey, Canada; and moved to California at the age of 8. I am the youngest of 9 and have a twin brother. Regardless to say, I’m a member of a large immigrant family. I recently moved to Illinois after 25 years as a Californian. The mid-west is growing on me, but very slowly! I jumped into the work of a bilingual legal and medical advocate at Rape Advocacy, Counseling, Education Services (R.A.C.E.S). I have only resided in the state of Illinois since October of 2023; I am learning and growing each day to be a better human, and a better advocate. I am constantly looking for new resources and making new connections. I was a preschool educator for the past 15 years in California, but decided I would try something new, and haven’t been told I am doing anything wrong yet. There is always room for improvement, and I am happy to be corrected and learn.

Rachel Pearce (she/her)

ARISE – New Castle, Pennsylvania

Rachel is the Director of Community Services at Arise, a dual sexual assault and domestic violence agency in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and has been with the agency for over 4 years. In her current role, she oversees the Advocacy and Education & Outreach Departments, in addition to managing the volunteer program at Arise. She holds an M.A. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Slippery Rock University, is a fully trained sexual assault and domestic violence counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and has completed NOVA’s Campus Advocacy Training.

Sarah E. Bariya (she/her)

Tri-valley Haven – Livermore, California

Sarah Edison Bariya has a JD degree and with over ten years of working with law firms and law related fields, she discovered her passion for advocating for the underserved population while working as CASA for the court system of the Eastern Panhandle area. She joined Tri-Valley Haven in 2015 where she has worked for the Homeless Services Department, Domestic Violence Services and she is now the Director of Sexual Assault Services with Tri-Valley Haven.

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