How To Talk to Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual Trauma

At the Sexploratorium, we believe in fostering empathy, understanding, and healing in the aftermath of sexual trauma. Join us for a compassionate and informative class, "Empathetic Conversations: How To Support Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual Trauma," designed to empower individuals to provide meaningful support to survivors of sexual violence.

Navigating conversations with someone who has experienced sexual trauma can be challenging, but with the right approach and tools, you can offer invaluable support and validation to survivors on their healing journey. This class provides a safe and supportive space for participants to learn effective communication techniques, gain insight into the impact of trauma, and explore strategies for offering compassionate support.

Participants will learn how to create a supportive and validating environment for survivors to share their experiences and feelings. Gain a deeper understanding of the common reactions and coping mechanisms that survivors may experience, and learn how to respond with empathy, validation, and respect.

Moreover, this class explores the importance of self-care and boundary-setting for both supporters and survivors. Learn practical strategies for managing your own emotions and reactions while providing support, and discover how to establish clear boundaries that respect the survivor's autonomy and agency.

Whether you're a friend, family member, partner, or professional seeking to support someone who has experienced sexual trauma, this class offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating difficult conversations with compassion and sensitivity. By learning to listen without judgment, offer validation and support, and respect the survivor's autonomy and boundaries, you can play a vital role in supporting their healing and recovery journey.

Join us as we come together to learn, grow, and create a more empathetic and supportive community for survivors of sexual trauma. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate world where survivors feel heard, validated, and empowered on their path to healing and recovery.

About the Instructor: Fawn O’Breitzman has been a college professor for over 20 years. She specializes in issues of Sex and Gender and presents at conferences all around the country. She does inclusion training for businesses and has worked with everyone from hospitals to construction yards to help companies make sure they are providing the best and most respectful care to their clients. She is a lesbian, a teacher, and a parent, and has worked with many sexual abuse survivors.