What Happens After Trauma? Effects, Myths, and the Path to Healing
Sadly in the United States, up to 25% of women will be sexually assaulted at least once in in their lifetime (Garcia-Esteve et al., 2021)⁷. Additionally, in 2022 approximately 1.25% of people age 12 or older experienced at least one violent crime; this means that there were over 6.6 million survivors of sexual assault and […]
Emotions in Motion: VSC and the Orlando Ballet’s Unique New Program
In this episode of the VSC Podcast, host Olivia Oropeza introduces a new program that VSC has launched in partnership with Orlando Ballet. This initiative uses the power of movement and dance to promote healing, empowerment and reconnection for survivors of violence, abuse and trauma. Guests interviewed include Co-creators Brandi Godbee and Shane Bland and […]
Safe to Love: Empowerment, Boundaries & Dating Safety
This episode focuses on how individuals—especially those navigating dating and romantic relationships—can stay safe, assert their needs, and foster mutual respect. While love and connection are universal, dating can also come with risks. From personal safety to consent conversations to boundary-setting, this episode equips viewers with tools to navigate dating with confidence and clarity. Prevention […]
More Than Misunderstood: Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergence
This episode explores the understanding of the intersection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sexual violence prevention—including breaking stigmas, clarifying neurodiverse experiences in relationships, and promoting safety and respect. Individuals with ASD and neurodivergence experience the world in a unique way. However, they also face disproportionate rates of marginalization, discrimination and violence. Additionally, this group […]
VSC Podcast Episode: Raising Respect: Shaping the Next Generation of Young Men
This episode explores how we, as a community, can raise boys into men who reject harmful gender stereotypes, respect others, and contribute to a culture free from violence. While prevention often focuses on protecting women, we must also empower boys with the tools and guidance to become upstanders—leaders in empathy, respect, and accountability. In our […]
Grounding And Mindfulness: Tools To Help Reduce Anxiety And Anxiety Attacks
By Jolinda Corry, BA, Clinical psychology doctoral student at Florida Tech (Florida Institute of Technology) Anxiety is a normal response to stress and fear; everyone deals with some level of anxiety throughout their life. However, for many people, especially survivors of sexual or violent trauma, it can become a persistent and intense part of daily […]
Campus Sexual Assault: Your Rights, Resources, and Safety
Learn about college campus safety, the Title IX civil rights law, and safety planning. An overview is included of campus-specific resources for students at the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Rollins College, Seminole State College, Full Sail University, and Ana G. Mendez University.
Connections Between Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Assault
Traumatic brain injuries are life-altering for the victim and their loved ones. In this blog, I provide an overview of TBIs, the link between TBIs and assault, and ways to support a loved one who is experiencing a TBI.
The Different Experiences of LGBTQ+ Survivors
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term that encompasses many identities. All of those identities are important and they all carry their own different experiences. People that hold those different identities are often victimized in different ways. It’s important to uplift and bring awareness to those specific experiences in order to validate the experiences of survivors.
Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Intervals
In 2016, guidelines changed to now recommend the collection of vaginal samples in a sexual assault kit up to 5 days after the incident, an increase from a previous 3 day interval. With technological advances and new research, there is a potential for this time to be extended even further. Here we provide an overview of the collection intervals by state, including some proactive states that have already extended their collection intervals.