The victim/survivor experience is hard to talk about. It’s hard to watch. It’s even harder to endure.

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Every victim's experience is unique, and every survivor has had an unparalleled story and reckoning. Nevertheless, there are themes, aspects, and realms that victims/survivors most often face that others may not recognize or begin to understand. 

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Given the stigma regarding the topic of abuse and the trauma and peril of experiencing such violence, #WeRideTogether aimed to provide insight into what a victim’s experience is really like. 

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There are rarely words for the unfathomable that far too many have endured. And by no means can any project fully and truly encapsulate the lifelong triumphs, hurdles, isolation, and scars of the victim/survivor experience, either. 

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But we can and did offer language and imagery on the victim/survivor experience to promote awareness and lessen the burden for victims/survivors, to give them tools to gain knowledge, to educate their supporters, and to inspire cultural and societal change. 

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This new series includes four hard-hitting PSAs and four long-form roundtable discussions featuring leading experts in abuse prevention. The topics explore key facets of the victim experience, providing insight, language, and metaphor into “what it’s like” for victims of sexual abuse or misconduct.

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The PSAs, titled “Stop Asking,” “It’s Not Just a Ride Home,” “Life Sentence,” and “W.T.F. — Wait, That’s Fair?” explore the journeys of survivors in educational, athletic, judicial and reporting, social, and other settings, highlighting the experience, emotions, and nuanced difficulties faced by survivors. 

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Each PSA is paired with a long-form roundtable discussion that serves to expand on the topics and nuances showcased within the PSAs, and an abridged version on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

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The roundtable discussions feature leading experts in abuse prevention, survivor support, and justice options for survivors. Experts include: Kenyora Johnson, CEO, End Rape on Campus; Tracy DeTomasi, CEO, Callisto; Abby Morris, Athlete Protection & Safety, USA Lacrosse; Dr. Tess M. Kilwein, Clinical & Sports Psychologist; Dr. Tyler Miles, Clinical & Sports Psychologist; Margaret Hoelzer, Olympian & NCAC Spokesperson; Jennifer Almonte, Founder, The I AM Journey; Natasha de Silva, Founder & Principal, Intersection; Bobby Click, Executive Director, EM — Sport Safety; Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Circuit Court Judge & Professor; Doug Fierberg, Attorney & Founder, TFNL Group; and, Elysse Stolpe, Senior Assistant Commonswealth's Attorney, Virginia.

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We welcome you to share the PSAs, roundtable discussions, and roundtable podcasts, and engage in some self-reflection upon watching: 

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• While watching these videos, did you see yourself or someone you know in any of the characters portrayed? What may they have been experiencing or feeling, or known or not known, during that time?
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• How do you respond personally to victims/survivors? How may your response change after watching this series?
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• What beliefs of yours may have been challenged or triggered in watching this series? What may you want to get more information about?
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• What parts of the series spoke to you and why? What parts didn’t make sense or agree with you, and why?
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• Write a brief note to one of the characters in the series. Or write a brief note to a sporting staff member, or professional, legislator, parent, teammate, etc., about something in the series. 

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As always, if you or someone you know needs support, visit our crisis resources or resources page. 

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In service,

The #WeRideTogether Team 

info@weridetogether.today