***Kyra Andresen just completed her first year as an art history major at St. Olaf College and she is spending the summer interning with A Peace of My Mind. We are grateful for her help and for all she brings to the table! Kyra shared the reflection below for this series of stories.***

John and I were in Omaha for the Child Saving Institute’s “Reclaiming Hope” state-wide conference to end domestic and sexual violence. Attending the two day conference were mental health professionals, medical professionals, educators, and more advocates who work with survivors and their families. On the first day of the conference, John photographed the attendees and asked “What do you want to say to your community about domestic and sexual violence?” On the second day, he shared back their answers. I am just thankful that I was able to watch it all happen. 

One of my immediate takeaways from this convention is that many of these advocates are themselves survivors. I think there is something beautiful and powerful about their desire to help others through a struggle they faced. In the faces of all of these humans was compassion and courage: compassion to help victims heal and the courage to challenge our broken system.

I was struck by how many of their quotes were about listening. Something I’m learning from my time here at APOMM is that such a huge part of the healing process is being heard. Part of listening to someone recovering or suffering from domestic and sexual violence is believing them and exercising compassion. It might not be easy to understand a survivor’s decisions but it sure is easy to listen to their story and be kind. 

Part of listening is paying attention. Many of these quotes warn us that victims and abusers hide in plain sight, how many people can we help by simply paying more attention? 

I was lucky enough to get to sit in on several of the breakout sessions at the convention. What I saw there were lots of people attentive and eager to learn more about how to help. I saw so many people sharing resources, information about funding, shelter locations, etc. It’s rare to find so much passion in one room.

My role is to help John by typing the handwritten stories people give us as well as helping others shape the stories they want to share. A perk of this job is the opportunity to engage with so many wise people. Each time I typed out someone’s story, I felt a little closer to it and to them. This is why I was full of anticipation when it came time for John to present the video of their stories. The video was beautiful, but so was the crowd. I may not have had the best view because I was a little teary, but I think I saw people see themselves as they really are. Dignified, compassionate, and important. 

Looking back on the convention, I am left with a strange combination of emotions. Disappointment at seeing the need for this kind of work but also gratitude that there are so many dedicated people working to better our world. If someone asked me what I thought the world should know about domestic and sexual violence, I would say, “You should know about all the tireless work going into combatting it.”