80. Anne Winslow: A Gentle Yet Powerful Voice for Survivors

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS

The last time Anne was on this show was just over a year ago. She shared with us her harrowing story of enduring almost 30 years of intrafamilial rape as well as marital domestic violence and rape. Yet, despite all of that, Anne managed to become one the most softspoken advocates for others who’ve endured similar experiences as she advocated and guided others through her outreach with the Sexual Assault Advocacy Network (SAAN). She continues to work with that amazing organization, except that now, she does so in the position of Co-Director! Anne also explains in this episode that she is deeply involved with the other administrators of that group in becoming an non-profit organization! She describes how SAAN had its roots in providing a community support for sexual assault victim advocates during the COVID lock-down, but that now the focus of the organization is geared much more toward victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. And Anne said that once the non-profit status is obtained, their goal will be to have a SAAN chapter in every state!

Anne talked to me about the growth that she personally has experienced since her last visit, and how she attributes that to her writing, her participation with the community of SAAN, and her group therapy sessions. But she also told me that much of her strength comes from her faith-based beliefs and the fact that she has found a church community that allows for an interpretation of religious beliefs that communicates to her in unique ways…. ways that speak of an understanding, caring, and loving higher power that brings influence to her victimhood, promoting healing and community.

Through all of this, Anne also discussed her vision of a trauma treatment facility that she hopes will be a place of bodily healing from the impacts of rape and sexual assault. Listen to her in this episode as she describes all that she envisions this facility to be…you will be amazed!

It’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month…thank you for tuning in again to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, and for your loyalty to this program. Part of supporting SAAM is what you do to help this podcast grow. Your help in telling others about this podcast is having a tremendous impact, but I still need more people to be informed that this podcast exists. Because what this podcast is doing for you, my listeners, is profoundly helpful in bringing strength and growth to other victims and survivors who are intent on healing and growing and find this show to be a helpful and cathartic element in that journey. So, keep spreading the word that SASS is here…wherever you find your podcasts!

Also, please continue to do your part to Start By Believing. This campaign is critical in bringing justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Here are a few websites that Anne Winslow and I would like you to visit!

https://www.saancommunity.org/

https://markel-consulting.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/saancommunity/

https://www.survivorlawyer.com/

https://www.startbybelieving.org