Over the last couple of weeks, CALCASA has been focusing on the importance of self care for advocates in the sexual assault movement. As advocates see and hear about traumatic stories of sexual assault against women, children and men on a daily bases, many carry those stories and experiences with them. Although not as evident early-on, the exposure to this type, or any type of, trauma begins to take a toll on an advocate’s soul. The harshness of the world becomes more evident and something that seemed simple, such as watching a movie, can suddenly fill us with anxiety, sadness and even anger.
As Marishka Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson on Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit and President and Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, stated:
When people are abused and assaulted, it is like the doors to their souls slam shut.
Just as the souls of survivors shut down, so can the souls of those who are advocating and helping survivors though the healing process. If our souls shut down, how can we continue to help survivors heal and illuminate their souls once again?
In an effort to help advocates in the movement begin their own journey to self care and healing, CALCASA is excited to provide a day long workshop facilitated by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, author of “Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring or Others.” This workshop is open for advocates from CALCASA Member Programs in an effort to support and provide resources related to self care and healing for advocates. This workshop will be held on Friday, February 3, 2010 in Pacifica, CA and CALCASA will provide limited travel stipends (upon approval) for participants (one per agency).
To read more about Laura van Dernoot Lipsky and for more details about this workshop, you can read the original announcement by visiting the original blog post here.
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