Incest AWARE November Newsletter Learn about it. Talk about it. End it. |
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In This Issue: Incest AWARE Board Member Spotlight TEDx, HBO Films Welcome Incest AWARE Speakers OutSPOKEN Discussion Series (Check YouTube for past recordings!) Blog Post: What Might Be Behind Your Physical Pain Incest AWARE Merchandise Keeping the Holidays Safe and Happier December Hiatus
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Incest AWARE Board Member Spotlight |
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A survivor, speaker, and incest abuse prevention advocate, Suzanne Isaza is breaking the code of silence surrounding incest and sexual assault. She is the founder and co-director of Incest AWARE, the first-of-its-kind organization devoted exclusively to ending incest abuse through awareness and prevention, survivor support, and media education. |
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What motivated you to start Incest AWARE? When I couldn’t find anything comprehensive online or an organization devoted exclusivley to incest abuse, its prevention, resources, public awareness, and survivor support, I knew I had to act. As a survivor, I knew intrinsically that this would be my journey. I created Incest AWARE first as a resource site. The response was overwhelming, and I realized there was energy and commitment from the community to launch an organization, so I took the plunge and never looked back. What do you envision and hope for survivors of incest abuse? It is my mission to eliminate the stigma survivors experience - in public, in families, and within ourselves. My hope is that no child has to experience the trauma and lifelong impacts of incest abuse. What is your go-to self-nourishing activity or routine? Self-care is so important to me - although I sometimes forget that! - and practice yoga and mindfulness, take walks in nature, and sweat it out in the sauna. These activities restore me to sanity and refuel me. Do you have a favorite dessert, beverage, hobby? I make a killer ginger, lime, mint, and honey tea that is so restorative. When that is just too healthy, ice cream is the answer! I also love to cook and craft and take long walks on the beach. Learn more about Suzanne by visiting: suzanneisaza.com |
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TEDx, HBO Films Welcome Incest AWARE Speakers |
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Incest AWARE founding board member Dr. Lori Pitts was invited to participate on a panel that followed a private screening of the 4th and final episode of the series. The panel discussion can be viewed here. |
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This four-part HBO Original Documentary examined the effects of childhood sexual trauma and the 4th episode explored the long term effects of abuse on survivors. Incest AWARE was selected by the producers, Jane Doe Films, as one of just a few partner organizations that were allowed to host the documentary! |
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Jane Epstein, also an Incest AWARE founding board member, recently received news that she is on the agenda to speak at TEDx BocaRaton on January 29, 2022. |
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The theme for this TEDx event is “Defining Moments”, moments that have defined us and had a transformative effect on our perceptions, behaviors, and in some cases the trajectory of life as we know it. Congratulations and we wish you well, Jane! |
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OutSPOKEN Discussion Series Each month, through our OutSPOKEN Discussion Series, we feature advocates, survivors, therapists, professionals, and others who are speaking up about incest. Recordings of past OutSPOKEN events can be accessed here or on our YouTube Channel. This month we have 2 OutSPOKEN Talks! |
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“Navigating Family Relationships after Incest Abuse” Laura Davis, author, The Courage to Heal Tuesday, November 9, 2021 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT via Zoom Register here |
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The author of six groundbreaking books including, The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Laura Davis will explore how navigating family relationships after incest abuse is a deeply difficult and personalized journey. |
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“Embracing Pleasure: Reclaiming Our Bodies After Child Sexual Abuse” Ignacio G Hutía Xeiti Rivera, M.A. and Aredvi Azad The HEAL Project Monday, November 22, 2021 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT via Zoom Register here |
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In this talk, we'll be exploring with Ignacio G Hutía Xeiti Rivera, M.A. and Aredvi Azad from The HEAL Project the relationship between incest and child sexual abuse and attitudes about sex and sexuality, ability to experience sexual pleasure, and partner intimacy. |
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What Might Be Behind Your Physical Pain Maria Socolof is a health scientist, sibling incest and chronic pain survivor, author. and speaker. She recently published her memoir, The Invisible Key: Unlocking the Mystery of My Chronic Pain, and manages the website and blog Healing From Chronic Pain. In this thoughtful piece, Maria shares her perspective on the link between trauma and chronic physical pain and provides useful suggestions on mindbody healing approaches. Click button below to read Maria's article. |
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You can still get your Incest AWARE merchandise in our online store! Each product sports an "I AM" graphic which lets the world know you are aware, healing, unique, hopeful, strong, a survivor, powerful, brave, blooming, loved, and worthy. All proceeds support our mission. |
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Keeping the Holidays Safe and Happier |
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Holiday parties and family gatherings can be a difficult time for incest survivors. You may be faced with possibly seeing or being reminded of your perpetrator, which can lead to triggers. |
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It can be helpful to create a plan and have strategies in place to support your safety and emotional well-being. Here are some tips from the Younique Foundation: Make a list of 2-3 trusted people you can call who will help you cope if you feel distressed. Be clear about how your supporters can help you (e.g., listen; provide assurances; help fix; lighten the mood). Is there a possibility that family or friends may ask about your experience? Have a few responses if you do not want to share your story. Have a few positive affirmations you can tell yourself. Choosing not to attend gatherings is ok! It might be helpful to have written down what your responses will be so you are comfortable with them should that conversation arise.
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Incest AWARE will be on hiatus during the month of December. If you are in need of community and help during these times, please refer to the For Survivors section of our website. Received this newsletter from a friend? Sign up to receive Incest AWARE news and information or to simply connect with us! |
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