Testimonials

By teaching victim impact classes to sex offenders at the RI DOC, Mary Byrne and Jane Johnson have given victims a voice and obliged inmates incarcerated for sex crimes to face the damage they have caused.

Impactful, educational, no better way to learn from those with first-hand knowledge. Not only a "no-holds barred" story surrounding the trauma of sexual assault, but the successful journey to wellness by sharing with others. A journey of triumph and victory that everyone needs to hear.

I have heard SURVIVORS SPEAK RI present at several military trainings. Amazingly powerful! Enlightens listeners by authentically revealing truth about sexual assault! Speakers illustrate overcoming all odds with pure strength, courage, and candor in relaying their personal accounts. This team is truly inspirational!

It was amazing. I'm sure others would agree it had a huge impact on our unit as medical professionals. The graphic details were hard to hear but a VERY important takeaway, especially the emotional trauma from the judiciary and health workers.

Thank you for opening up about the sexual trauma you all have experienced. I hope that other victims will feel comfortable acknowledging their trauma and that your continue your work with offenders.

I work in the ED as a physician and I take your lessons to heart and will remember your story with every assault/rape victims

Its a big change hearing actual accounts of real life stories instead of normal powerpoint. Very moving and powerful.

Amazing. Very inspiring. Helps gives victims of sexual assault encouragement knowing that you can heal and overcome the events that you experience. The stories shared were extremely inspirational and gives hope to victims who have experienced sexual violence. Every time you share your story, you help change someone's life - the hope is that the person you inspired will then play a part in advocating and inspiring someone else. Thank you.

Personal accounts are more powerful and impactful than any training, statistics or educational materials.

Very meaningful for us to attach a face to a story and an experience of sexual assault. Thank you so much for sharing your story It will absolutely affect how all of us talk to and treat addicts and survivors of sexual assault.

This training should be required for all medical students. Incredible presentation and very important for future physicians to hear. You should present this to current residents at the hospitals. Presentation was incredibly captivating.

Mary did a fantastic job telling her moving story, and all three presenters provided direct and helpful answers to our questions. I am very grateful to have heard these stories. I will not soon forget these stories and I hope it will make me a better physician.

Essential presentation for all healthcare professionals. This talk will change lives.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and for highlighting the relationship between addiction and sexual assault and abuse. I hope we have an addition lecture on how to be better providers with regard to the physical exam and history.

It reframed addiction for me, and brought to life the long lasting effects of child molestation and abuse. I appreciate you sharing your story. It was meaningful and helpful for healthcare professionals to learn more about these topics and hear from survivors.

Riveting: I'm so amazed that the panel was able to discuss without backing down. As a survivor myself, I was in tears xxx.

Extremely impactful and moving presentation! The survivors stories will stay with me! I wish that I could have thanked the presenters individually. Extremely relevant to the way I/we should improve the care of our children/families.

Phenomenal. One of the most effective presentations I have ever experienced at a conference. Really serves to ground me in the long term impact of abuse.

Powerful to know this speakers bureau exists as a potential tool!