An Avoidance of Contact
The excitement of a student survivor’s only year at her dream school is stifled when she learns that one of her past perpetrators attends her University and Title IX doesn’t protect her, instead issuing an Avoidance of Contact.
Sexual Assaults with 16
A student survivor shares their story with PAVE in the form of a poem.
The Julie Angel Memorial Scholarship
We are honored to announce that PAVE is honoring Julie’s memory by launching the Julie Angel Memorial Scholarship for Lake Park High School Students. It will be available through the Lake Park High School Foundation beginning this December. This scholarship will help high school students who share Julie’s passion for veterinary medicine or criminal justice pursue higher education opportunities.
Survivor Stories (pt. 11)
Every survivor has their own story, yet not every survivor feels heard. For a multitude of reasons, survivors fear speaking out. And even if they do speak out, that doesn’t mean someone will listen… or believe them. The pieces below were submitted by survivors, some requesting to remain anonymous. Thank you to these survivors for your strength and vulnerability. We hear you. We believe you. We support you.
Survivor Stories (pt. 10)
Every survivor has their own story, yet not every survivor feels heard. For a multitude of reasons, survivors fear speaking out. And even if they do speak out, that doesn’t mean someone will listen… or believe them.
The pieces below were submitted by survivors, some requesting to remain anonymous. Thank you to these survivors for your strength and vulnerability. We hear you. We believe you. We support you.
The Problem with Abby Lee Miller (and the Producers)
The smash-hit reality television show Dance Moms began airing on the Lifetime network in 2011, and filmed eight seasons. Although the program is twelve years old, it still remains relevant to this day. People still enjoy Dance Moms for many reasons, from the mothers’ antics and drama, impressive dance performances at the time, and even the brutal teaching methods endorsed by the program. As this reality television program seems to gain popularity every day, viewers should critically observe the show’s main character and dance coach, none other than Abby Lee Miller.
Advocate Spotlight
When I was an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I wrote a few pieces for a student magazine highlighting Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment (PAVE), and specifically, their UW chapter.
Now, as I’m privileged enough to be working with PAVE, I wanted to highlight other sexual and domestic violence advocates and organizations. Some you may know of, but others have somewhat flown under the radar. Nonetheless, the individuals and organizations below have made a significant impact, in their own unique ways, in shattering the silence of violence.
Survivor Stories (pt. 9)
Every survivor has their own story, yet not every survivor feels heard. For a multitude of reasons, survivors fear speaking out. And even if they do speak out, that doesn’t mean someone will listen… or believe them.
The pieces below were submitted by survivors, some requesting to remain anonymous. Thank you to these survivors for your strength and vulnerability. We hear you. We believe you. We support you.
Deepfakes: AI's Dark Side and the Fight for Survivors' Rights
There have been many conversations lately surrounding the rise and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and whether it does more harm than good. One of the ways AI has been used is through deepfakes. According to Forbes, a deepfake is an AI technique that can superimpose images and videos onto source footage using a variety of machine learning techniques (Wang, 2019). Deepfakes differ from photoshop or other edited images and videos because it tends to look seamlessly authentic.
The Cost of Rape
The economic burden of sexual violence is one that’s hardly discussed or recognized. As if the emotional and physical tolls of experiencing assault are not enough, survivors often face financial tolls in the processes of healing and finding justice.
Sexual Violence in the Dance Community: How Has it Manifested?
As the 2023 dance competition is coming to a close with National events, dancers and choreographers have continued to present incredible, creative works of art to large audiences. However, some wildly inappropriate choreography and pieces by alleged sexual and verbal abusers have hit the stage as well, putting children in compromising situations.
Kik, Omegle, and Digital Platforms that Elevate Abusers
We live in the age of social media, where digital platforms are specifically geared towards connecting people from all over the globe. While these are ground-breaking tools that have connected the world like never before, these platforms can also be used for harm and often give a platform to sexual predators.
Beyond Cancellation: The Case of Colleen Ballinger
Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian, Youtuber, actress, singer, and writer, most commonly known for her creation and portrayal of her character Miranda Sings. In the last few years, numerous fans have come forward with stories of inappropriate behavior from Ballinger, her siblings, her friends, and her ex-husband, Joshua David Evans (Jones, 2023). Allegations include grooming, sexual exploitation, racism, and pedophilia.
It’s okay to not report your assault.
Society shames survivors when they choose not to report their assaults. It’s a weird form of victim-blaming. “If they actually were raped, they would’ve reported it to the police.” “Why did they wait so long if they’re telling the truth?”
With this judgment, survivors are pressured into reporting. If they report immediately, they may not have had time to process what happened to them before verbalizing the gruesome details to strangers. But, if they wait, will anyone believe them?
Survivor or Victim?
A person may resonate more with victim or survivor. In fact, they may resonate with both or neither. Nonetheless, to support victims and survivors, it’s important we’re respectful of how they choose to identify with their experiences.