April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the impact of sexual violence and support survivors on their healing journey. Sierra Community House is constantly assisting community members with sexual assault related cases. Our trained staff is both empathetic and knowledgeable, guiding victims through their rights and reclamation.
For 2 years, Stephanie has been an essential advocate at Sierra Community House, helping community members navigate challenging circumstances with compassion and expertise. She provides essential resources, emotional support, and advocacy, ensuring survivors have the tools they need to heal and reclaim their power. Her deep understanding of trauma, family dynamics, and resilience makes her an invaluable ally in the fight against sexual violence.
Q&A with Stephanie
What inspired you to become a Victim Support Advocate?
When I saw the job description, I immediately knew this was my calling—I had the opportunity to help people in a meaningful way. My passion has always been to support and uplift others. Before this role, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where I found inspiration in the nature of caregiving. Transitioning into this field allowed me to make a difference in a new and impactful way. At the time, I was also overcoming my own experience with domestic violence. Having navigated that journey and gained the tools to heal, I felt a deep sense of purpose in empowering others to find their own strength and path forward.
What do you find most rewarding about working with survivors and their families?
When I witness a success story, it reaffirms the impact of this work. People come to us at their lowest, unsure of their next steps. I meet with them, guide them through budgeting, and help them regain control of their lives. By the end of their journey, they feel empowered, realizing they can rely on themselves rather than enduring mistreatment from others. Seeing that transformation—the shift from doubt to confidence—is incredibly rewarding.
What strategies can we use to help individuals build self-awareness and confidence in their relationship choices while ensuring their safety?
As human beings, we all have a deep desire to connect and be with someone. To fill that need, many seek companionship, sometimes as a way to cover pain. However, if intentions are not clear, this can lead to being taken advantage of. In today’s world, especially with social media, individuals can easily become targets of sexual assault. To prevent this, it’s important to take the time to truly get to know someone, recognize red flags, and avoid trusting too quickly. Meeting in public before entering private situations allows space for someone to demonstrate their good intentions rather than assuming they have them. Trust and confidence in others take time to build, and rushing into relationships can create vulnerability. When our children come to us about these situations, it is crucial to listen, understand, and believe them. Together, we can create healthy solutions to navigate the complexities of intimate relationships.
My work involves supporting survivors of sexual assault, particularly children under 18, through the MDICS (Medical Direction for Integrated Care Services) interviews. When I attend a SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) exam, I schedule an appointment and personally drive the community member to the nearest facility in Reno, NV. Throughout the process, I provide emotional support, ensuring they know they are not alone. After the examination, once the nurse has gathered the necessary information and tests, I continue following up with the community to provide ongoing care. If the survivor has a safe place to go, such as a friend or family member’s home, I take them there. If not, we ensure they have access to a motel stay, offering them security and a place to begin healing.
How do you navigate the emotional challenges of this work and prioritize self-care?
I try my best to keep my personal life and work life separate. I have a boundary to not bring any work cases home with me. On my commute home, I am able to decompress from the day and relieve the stress I may have taken on. I also regularly get my hair, nails, and lashes done because self-care means taking time to empower myself. This helps me stay strong and continue helping our community members.
As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we appreciate Stephanie’s dedication and invite our community to stand with survivors. Additionally, read more on how our team navigates crisis here. Together, we can foster healing, raise awareness, and work toward a future free from violence.
