This page is a part of the Volare and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS partnership.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is grateful for its partnership with Volare and for the resources they provide to those living similar stories, not on stage, but in their daily lives. We hope the resources and reminders below are helpful and supportive.

This page is a part of the Volare and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS partnership.

Here are some resources for survivors of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is unsure about what they are experiencing, they can also access these resources for support, to ask questions or find out more information.

This page is a part of the Volare and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS partnership.

Storytelling is a powerful way to create a cultural shift in our society and uplift voices that are often marginalized and silenced. Storytelling can also be a way that survivors decide to engage in their own path to healing and justice. When those stories are stories of trauma and violence, there are some considerations to take. These stories are important and, as always, we want to ensure we are not causing further harm.

This page is a part of the Volare and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS partnership.

Domestic violence is rooted in power imbalances, this is what allows this violence to occur and persist. The more we, as a society, talk about it, learn about it, and challenge these dynamics and imbalances, the closer we will be to ending the violence.

This page is a part of the Volare and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS partnership.

We want to encourage and uplift a person’s autonomy and power. This is crucial as domestic violence is based on someone asserting power and control over another person or people. Being part of someone’s support system means we want to facilitate a supportive and safe space. We do not have to agree or be happy about their decisions but we can still support them.

At Volare we talk a lot about building trauma-informed communities that provide resources and support for survivors. When we have resources in place, education on how to best support folks, and are actively working to dismantle oppressive systems that allow sexual violence to occur, we are also engaging in suicide prevention.

"The two guys that helped me at the frat party were active bystanders by causing a distraction. They told the guy that someone was waiting for him out front. I’ll never know if this was actually true or not, but it got him away without direct intervention. This is what being an active bystander is - intervening when we see potential harm..."

Survivors’ Rights Watch by Volare mobilizes volunteers to observe courtrooms, document violations, and advocate for stronger protections for crime victims.

The first few moments after a sexual assault can be a very difficult and confusing time. You may have questions and be faced with multiple decisions. During this time you may not want, or be ready, to make many of these decisions. This is common and okay.

Consent is centered on bodily autonomy. Only you are in control of your body and can give consent or retract it at any moment, for any reason. Consent is agreeing to or giving permission for something to happen. Consent should be communicated and is clear and ongoing.

Sexual assault is a form of sexual violence. It refers to any sexual contact or behavior that happens without explicit consent. Sexual assault can cause harm and impact someone’s life.