Survivor Empowerment Retreats: Connecting, Healing and Learning

23% of women and 9% of men report forced sexual activity ever in their lifetime, according to national data from 2019. In Los Angeles 63 to every 100,000 person has experience sexual violence. This trauma can result in severe physical and emotional trauma. Deploying targeted psychotherapeutic treatment that is individualized for the survivor is important to achieving optimal patient outcomes. There are several valid and evidence-based treatments available for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and interpersonal difficulties that can result from sexual abuse and assault. Voices Beyond Assault is working to end the societal issue of sexual violence and focus on survivor rehabilitation and healing. stereotypical of victimhood and powerlessness is of the past. We aim to dismantle and reconstruct the notion. VBA has employed an intersectional approach with radical inclusion. Sexual violence must be addressed because of the society-wide damage it has done and continues to do to date.

Voices Beyond Assault believes in the power of healing, the power of connecting and a network that is empowered by survival. We have based our organization around innovative ways of healing such as yoga, meditation, boxing, pole dancing, self-care activities, etc. The programs are innovative and unique to healing. We recognize that a conscious relationship with your sexuality after sexual abuse is essential to a happy, healthy life. That’s why we address this as a key component. We assist by creating a safe environment to heal, examining beliefs built around your trauma, empowering survivors to live fully and successfully. The Survivor Retreat builds a community of survivors which can encourage collective healing and honor the inherent beauty of our diverse survivor community. We will create a network of empowered survivors who will support one another and become future leaders in the fight to end sexual violence. We want to completely abolish the old stereotypes perpetuated.

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

Sexual assault results in neurobiological impacts on survivors of sexual violence that creates PTSD, anxiety, violence, drug use and possibly suicide. All of the effect will determine a person effectivity within their community. Incorporating healing modalities that address the impact of sexual trauma on one’s body, mind and spirit allows survivors to fully address the fullest depth and scope of their wounds, while regaining a deep sense of wholeness that enhances their way of life. Our core belief is that “healing looks good on you,” which truly bring about progression and success in life. Our Los Angeles Community can be safer, happier and more progressive knowing that survivors of sexual assault are healing and paving a way for other survivors to heal within our community.

VBA plans to define and measure the success of our of our innovative programs through metrics such as: (1) program evaluation forms, (2) survivors engagement (3) reoccurring survivors (4) the word of mouth, and (4) the research done on healing and progression. This information will all be collected, stored and published through our annual reports.