Resurrection After Rape Community Group

Discussion, question-and-answer, general social support, and journal processing for progress-oriented rape survivors. No crisis, no damaging or triggering conflicts--this is for individuals who want to contribute to collective, cooperative action toward the goal of making actual PROGRESS through rape trauma. Much of this work is based on the book "Resurrection After...

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EmpoweredOKC 04/15/2009

Danee--our fiery, brave activist and prodigy--was glimpsed on our local news (Again!) for her work in speaking out about sexual violence. As you all know, Danee (NILY) is eager to take on the issue of rape and sexual abuse, and is constantly seeking ways to advance the cause of recovery. So not only did she speak at "Soup and Salad With a Survivor" to a PACKED house at the Oklahoma Coalition to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and not only did she get a STANDING OVATION at the State Capitol following her address, but today she was one of a few featured speakers for "Legislative Awareness Day."

L.A.D. is an activism event each year in which those who are part of sexual assault/domestic violence work gather at the State Capitol to advocate for improved funding and bills to support our work. Here is the story:

http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=10191615 (Danee starts at 1.30)

P.S. Marcia Smith, the coordinator, is a dear friend of mine and has pledged assistance to support our Wilderness Retreat. She's the one who placed RAR into every crisis center in Oklahoma, and earmarked grant funding to pay for me to do trainings throughout Oklahoma this month.

deleted_user 04/15/2009

I am so proud of Danee. It warms my heart to know she is so willing to do this, and that she DOES. I mean, I am willing, but haven't sought out opportunities in Florida to make any real stand. Danee has! This is just GREAT!

EmpoweredOKC 04/15/2009

I know, right? I am SO proud of women like her. Remember, when I first met her she wouldn't make eye contact, wouldn't be part of a group, and hid her face while her leg bounced furiously with panic.* And NOW look! Kicking butt!

Sadly, this is the first time in ten years I haven't been at Legislative Awareness Day. I had a counseling appointment with a client to keep. Besides, our state capitol was surrounded by one of those "tea party" thingies. Can't find a place to park!

*I'm not saying something private about her treatment. Danee has written and posted the same descriptions herself, and shared those details in her own story when she spoke to the press and packed room.

deleted_user 04/15/2009

You know the post about people we are inspired by???.....Danee!! I am inspired by Danee!

deleted_user 04/15/2009

Way to go, Danee!

finalytime 04/16/2009

The news story was great! Thanks for posting it..And Wow there were ALOT of people there! Danee and Marcia did a great job interviewing. That was great to watch.

deleted_user 04/16/2009

I am so very proud of Danee. Last week I attended a Take Back the Night March and Vigil against sexual assault. I thought that I was so ready to do something like that. I wanted to help take a stand. I went with my "courage" bracelet on one wrist and my "hope" bracelet on the other. I had my prayer/meditation beads in my pocket and my teal colored shirt (the color of the sexual assualt awareness ribbon). As soon as I arrived at the march I started tearing up. By the time we marched to the vigil location the tears had started falling down my cheeks. Before the first speaker began I was in a full blown panic attack and had to leave. I could not stop crying. I was so overwhelmed with emotions. I couldn't believe how weak and vulnerable I felt. I thought I was much stronger than that. I thought I was really ready to handle it. So I know that what Danee and others are doing is no easy feat and I admire them for that and cannot wait for the day I can stand proudly among them and join the fight. Thank you Danee! For being the voice for others like me who aren't quite ready to speak for themselves and those who aren't here to be heard.

deleted_user 04/16/2009

Way to go BradyHelp..."not QUITE ready...." you know that means one day you WILL be ready. Me too. One day our voices and our presence won't be stifled by our pain. Yes, what Danee is doing is amazing, but never downplay the anmount of strength is took to show up. Sometimes, the most amazing things happen when we simply show up!

deleted_user 04/16/2009

Way to go Danee :)

EmpoweredOKC 04/16/2009

It took Danee a long time and a LOT of work--blood, sweat, and tears--in my group room and in her personal life to arrive here. I was so fortunate to be able to see the process unfold, because she is such a gift to this community. She has a wonderful, supportive husband and amazing daughters. Hers was not an easy path, but even when she was frustrated with me, herself, God, and whoever else, instead of turning her back and fuming off she hung in there and talked it through, and fought for her health.

deleted_user 04/16/2009

Way to go Brandy! Atleast you made a attempt. Keep taking those small steps! I'm here to support you all the way!

deleted_user 04/16/2009

Yeah Danee!!! It was so great to see you again. I was one of the lucky ones to see her speak in person. It is actually Danee who brought me to RaR. I still have an amazingly long way to go but at least I finally found the right path to be on.

As for the rest of you, you might never be ready to speak in public. But the work you are doing here inspires me and others so i think that is more than most can ask for....

deleted_user 04/16/2009

It was wonderful to see you and embrace you 'Burntsapphire'. Hope to see you again. I'm here if you need me!

deleted_user 04/16/2009

SO proud of you gals, Danee and Brandy!!

My local rape crisis center is having a fundraising/awareness event this Saturday. I really want to go, but we'll see. Last year the event was a few weeks after I was raped, and I did just fine. I don't understand why it's harder THIS year.

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