VAWnet News Blog

This year is set to be the deadliest ever for trans people, particularly Black trans women who face discrimination for both their race and gender identity.

In October 2019, Lisa Ogbole opened Imani's Place — a six-bed transitional home in Ontario for victims of violence, human trafficking or any other form of abuse. Imani means faith in Swahili, something Ogbole says that survivors must have in themselves to begin to heal.

"What we need to be talking about is the everyday woman, man, trans person, child and disabled person. All the people who are not rich, white and famous, who deal with sexual violence on everyday basis. We need to talk about the systems that are still in place that allow that to happen."

C. Jay Smith, who's serving 25 years to life at San Quentin, could face 10 more years behind bars after she made a sex abuse complaint, her lawsuit says.

While the first priority must always be safety and support for survivors, faith leaders are also charged with the spiritual care of those who abuse. In our July TAQ, Dr. Anne Marie Hunter and Dr. David Adams offer insight into how faith communities can respond to those who cause harm.

"A healing-centered approach to addressing trauma requires a different question that moves beyond 'what happened to you' to 'what’s right with you' and views those exposed to trauma as agents in the creation of their own well-being rather than victims of traumatic events." – Dr. Shawn Ginwright