Digital Security on Survivors.org
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Digital Security on Survivors.org

At Survivors.org, user privacy is a top priority. We want to assure you that no user data is sold to third parties under any circumstances. Our website operates with the utmost respect for your privacy and focuses exclusively on providing services related to the forums and reply feature. Any data collected is solely to enhance…

Clearing Browsing History
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Clearing Browsing History

When we visit sites on the internet, data of where we go and what we do gets saved. While this can be convenient while navigating the internet, it can also pose a safety risk for victim-survivors of sexual, domestic, and intimate partner violence if they visit resource websites, such as Survivors.org.  Understanding browser history, cache,…

Eva LaRue: Surviving Stalking

Eva LaRue: Surviving Stalking

Eva LaRue, an actress best known for her roles on All My Children and CSI: Miami, speaks with PAVE Founder, Angela Rose, and PAVE Board Vice President, Dr. Michelle Kukla, about her experience being stalked over the course of many years. Learn More About The Guest Eva LaRue “Long known and well respected as an…

Systemic Racism: A Barrier for Survivor Support
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Systemic Racism: A Barrier for Survivor Support

Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across all demographics; however, systemic racism creates unique and significant barriers for marginalized communities seeking support. This article explores the intersection of systemic racism and sexual violence, highlighting the challenges faced by victim-survivors of color and the structural inequalities that exacerbate their situation. Understanding Systemic Racism…

Why Do People Victim-Blame?
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Why Do People Victim-Blame?

To victim-blame is to explicitly state or imply that the person who experienced a crime or an act of violence is fully or partially to blame for what happened. Survivors of sexual assault face victim-blaming that is more stigmatizing and silencing than those who are victims of other crimes.1 The intensity of victim-blaming can also…

The Bystander Effect and Why We Fail to Act
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The Bystander Effect and Why We Fail to Act

What is the Bystander Effect? The concept of the bystander effect 1 was popularized by social psychologists in 1964 following the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese. Kitty was brutally attacked outside her apartment in New York City. It was reported that dozens of neighbors either witnessed the attack or heard her cries for help, yet…

What is a Bystander?
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What is a Bystander?

A bystander is anyone who witnesses an event/incident happen. Bystanders can observe a variety of situations, ranging from a minor disagreement to serious emergency. Their actions–or inactions– significantly affect the outcome of the situation.  Understanding the Bystander 1 The Bystander Effect The bystander effect is a social phenomenon where people do not intervene in a…

Steps For Effective Bystander Intervention
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Steps For Effective Bystander Intervention

Bystander intervention is the act of stepping in to prevent or stop inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous behavior. This approach can make a significant difference in various situations, from stopping bullying to preventing potential assaults. Understanding how to intervene safely and effectively is crucial for creating a safer, more supportive community. Here, we will explore different…

What is Stalking?
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What is Stalking?

PAVE/Survivors.org defines stalking as a type of harassment directed at an individual involving persistent, repeated contact and attention. However, the legal definition of stalking can vary state to state, and oftentimes these definitions do not serve to protect survivors. Stalking behaviors that are not in line with the legal definition of stalking where a survivor…

The Impact of Stalking
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The Impact of Stalking

Stalking is a serious offense that causes harm in many areas of a victim-survivor’s life. Not only does it have implications for one’s mental health, but it can cause physical, social, professional, and financial harm as well. Stalking can have a domino effect in the victim-survivors life. It is incredibly difficult to maintain one’s life…

The “Perfect Victim” Myth
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The “Perfect Victim” Myth

The “perfect victim” is a common victim-blaming myth that has a negative effect on survivors. The perfect victim is an archetype outlining how a survivor “should” act during and after experiencing violence or abuse. These notions are often used to discredit, blame, and shame survivors who do not fit this narrow description, despite the fact…

“Victim” or “Survivor?”
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“Victim” or “Survivor?”

What Do I Call Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual, Domestic, or Intimate Partner Violence? When referring to people who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, it can be difficult to know what term to use. Different words have different connotations and implications, and all people have a different relationship with what…