When someone hands you a microphone, it’s best to use it. Thanks to the University of Denver’s Center for Abuse, Prevention and Empowerment (CAPE) for inviting me to share a few remarks at their Gala on May 1, 2026, which benefitted the Survivor Fund. Here’s some of what I shared. Tonight is the CAPE Gala.Continue reading “The First Day of the Rest of Your Life”
Tag Archives: trauma
Sexual Violence Doesn’t End with Aging
by Leah Waltrip, TSS Group Member Sexual violence against older adults is under-reported, under-researched, and widely misunderstood. Here is what the evidence tells us. Research consistently shows that reports of rape and sexual assault decline with age — but this does not mean victimization stops. Many major surveys have excluded adults over 60 entirely. The resultContinue reading “Sexual Violence Doesn’t End with Aging”
Surviving Across Borders: Immigration and Sexual Violence
by Betsy Serrano, TSS Group Member Note: Throughout this post, the terms “migrant”, “immigrant”, and “undocumented” are used. They are not universal labels, as each term represents a different experience. They are used intentionally to specific contexts and cited research. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), it’s important to examine the intersection of migration andContinue reading “Surviving Across Borders: Immigration and Sexual Violence”
Economic Costs of Sexual Violence: #SAAM2026
by Amber Fredrick, TSS Group Member Among the many burdens of sexual assault are the economic costs. For example: The economic impacts of sexual violence are shaped by intersectionality. For instance: Discrimination or fear of stigma can delay essential care, which means: Sexual assault also costs communities. Consider, for example: The economic impact of sexualContinue reading “Economic Costs of Sexual Violence: #SAAM2026”
Making Sense of Silence after Abuse: Understanding Research on Betrayal Trauma
Survivors don’t owe anyone their stories. Yet, when women do decide to share their stories years later, the delay can be used to sow doubt — to wonder why it took so long to for them to disclose what happened. Research on betrayal trauma can help people understand silence. And research on institutional courage canContinue reading “Making Sense of Silence after Abuse: Understanding Research on Betrayal Trauma”
Voices That Matter: A New Study for Black Women Survivors of Sex Trafficking
by Courtney McCrimmon (5th Year Graduate Student) January’s National Human Trafficking Prevention Month reminded us of survivors’ resilience and the preventative efforts made to raise awareness and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. To continue the fight against human trafficking, we must take collective action to stay well-informed, raise awareness, strengthen protective factors, and take more initiative to support survivorsContinue reading “Voices That Matter: A New Study for Black Women Survivors of Sex Trafficking”
Two Languages, One Trauma: Exploring an Untapped Research Space
by Leah Waltrip (3rd Year Graduate Student) Code-switching, or switching between two languages, is a common pattern of communication among bilingual and multilingual individuals. For a long time, researchers viewed code-switching as a sign of language challenges. However, recent research has shown that code-switching indicates stronger mastery of grammatical and vocabulary knowledge in multiple languages.Continue reading “Two Languages, One Trauma: Exploring an Untapped Research Space”
Changing the Conversation in the Wake of the Epstein Files: #Iwas15
All too often, conversations about intimate violence — from child abuse to sexual assault — find their way to some version of victim blame and disbelief. It turns out that blame and disbelief are linked with myths and misperceptions about intimate violence. That means that there’s a role for researchers and practitioners to play inContinue reading “Changing the Conversation in the Wake of the Epstein Files: #Iwas15”
Survivor-Center Care Matters: New Preliminary Findings
by Amber Fredrick New research from our Traumatic Stress Studies Group aimed to answer questions about the real-world impact of survivor-centered care, championed by victim-service providers. For instance, is survivor-centered care was linked to important survivor outcomes – from empowerment and PTSD symptoms to people’s intention to seek help in the future? To answer suchContinue reading “Survivor-Center Care Matters: New Preliminary Findings”
Asthma and Intimate Partner Abuse: Getting the Word out about New Research Findings
When I talk with people about our shared interests in ending violence against women, I often point to healthcare. After all, lots of people are passionate about healthcare — from costs to access and lots in between. Those same people may not think of violence against women as their issue. Yet, one way to addressContinue reading “Asthma and Intimate Partner Abuse: Getting the Word out about New Research Findings”
Trauma Research Notes 