Rape & Sexual Assault: Clothing Survivors and Healing Them Beyond Trauma
‘The Grateful Garment Project’ - Silicon Valley's Outreach for Assistance:
The Grateful Garment Project, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to restoring dignity to sexual violence survivors. Their mission involves offering support and resources to Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) facilities, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), social service agencies, and law enforcement to aid individuals impacted by sexual assault.
America’s Sexual Violence Problem:
- Sexual Violence Prevalence: The CDC reports that nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 38 men in the U.S. have faced rape attempts or completion
- Child Abuse: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys suffer sexual abuse during childhood, with long-term health impacts.
- Online Harassment: Due to tech advancements, digital harassment, including unsolicited content, is rising; 1 in 8 U.S. internet users faced non-consensual pornography, as per a 2017 study
* Data cited from internet sources and may not be 100% updated
The Grateful Garment Project’s Mission:
They restore dignity to victims of sexual violence (sexual assault, human sexual trafficking, and commercially sexually exploited children/youths). They provide tangible emergency resources for individuals post-forensic exams, as only a paper drape is offered, and support through other programs in the recovery from sexual violence.
“We want to live in a world where sexual violence is the exception, not the rule.”
In this Episode:
In this episode, you’ll delve into the remarkable history and impactful work of the Grateful Garment Project. Join us as we uncover the origins of this organization, which emerged from a capstone project, and learn how it has grown into a powerful force in supporting victims of sexual violence. Discover how the Grateful Garment Project provides clothing and resources to those undergoing forensic exams after sexual assault, ensuring they regain their dignity. Hear stories of lives transformed by the organization’s intervention, including a heart-wrenching tale of sisters rescued from exploitation. Explore the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and how the Grateful Garment Project challenges these myths. Finally, gain insights into the challenges faced by the organization and its ongoing efforts to recruit volunteers and board members. Tune in to this episode to understand how the Grateful Garment Project is making a profound impact and how you can contribute to its mission of combatting sexual violence.
About the Guest:
Lisa Blanchard, the driving force behind The Grateful Garment Project, has shaped its vision. With a unique blend of nonprofit work, customer service, law, and management expertise, Lisa provides the innovative and conceptual leadership needed to expand The Grateful Garment Project’s reach across California and beyond. Her commitment extends beyond her professional role, as she dedicates her time to volunteering and making a difference in people’s lives. Lisa’s academic background includes an AS in Business, a BS in Human Services, and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration. Her unwavering vision is to ensure that no victim of sexual assault suffers further due to a lack of resources, driving the organization’s mission forward.
"Believe survivors, and just listen to their stories."
Show Notes:
- Learn about the Grateful Garment Project’s origins and its founder, Lisa Blanchard
- How it expanded from serving a few counties to over 110 agencies in 51 California counties
- Insights into the various programs offered by the organization
- How the organization provided essential resources to help them transition into a safe living environment
- Discover a heart-wrenching story about a developmentally disabled individual who was exploited and left in dire circumstances
- Common Myths About Sexual Violence: Challenge the common myth that sexual violence victims are often to blame for their experiences
- Explore the challenges faced by the organization, including limited resources and the need for more volunteers
- Promoting Open Conversations About Sexual Violence: Importance of openly discussing sexual violence to combat it effectively
"Our mission is to restore dignity, one garment at a time."
Links Mentioned:
- Santa Cruz County
- Valley Medical Center
- Operation Esteem
- Donate to The Grateful Garment Project: https://gratefulgarment.org/donate/
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | The Grateful Garment
If you are a victim of Sexual Violence and need help, Contact The Grateful Garment Project:
Address: 1777 Hamilton Ave, Suite 2280 San Jose, CA 95125
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