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E82: The Right to Rest | Sarah Miller on Survivor Support, Community Advocacy, and Building Safer Pathways Forward - Advocacy in Action
Description
In today’s episode of Aspire, hosts Katie M. Shipp and Chessy Prout are joined by student co-hosts Anna and Emma for a conversation with Sarah Miller, Executive Director of Women’s Services Inc. Sarah shares her journey into survivor advocacy and discusses Women’s Services’ holistic approach to supporting people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and other forms of violence.
The conversation explores the organization’s 24-hour hotline, shelter, legal and medical advocacy, counseling, prevention education, and community-based programs. Sarah explains how survivor-centered care has evolved, why confidentiality and specialized training are essential, and how advocates support survivors in navigating systems including courts, hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, and disability service organizations.
Sarah, Anna, Emma, Katie, and Chessy also discuss the unique barriers survivors face in rural communities, the importance of bystander intervention and consent education, and how friends and loved ones can support someone who may not be ready to leave an abusive relationship. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the power of youth leadership, community organizing, and survivor-informed advocacy, and the many ways people can make a difference through their time, resources, skills, or simply by continuing to show up.
The episode closes with Sarah’s vision for a future where survivors can access care without stigma, male survivors of childhood sexual abuse feel safe and supported in seeking help, and communities are empowered to create lasting change. Her message is also a reminder that rest is not a luxury, but an essential part of sustaining this work.
Learn more and find support:
- Women’s Services Inc.: Learn more about the organization and its support resources at https://www.womensservicesinc.org/
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: For national support and referrals to local survivor services, visit https://www.thehotline.org/
- I Have The Right To: Join the movement to create a world free of sexual violence at https://ihavetherightto.org/take-action/
Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com