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We got passionate and informed in this episode.I had the honor of hosting @TracyDeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, a survivor-founded nonprofit that has been able to create an encrypted platform allowing sexual assault survivors to find others harmed by the same perpetrator, without requiring them to report or come forward publicly. With a match in the Callisto Vault system, survivors receive free and confidential legal options counseling. This is a win-win-win and yet – with all of the money and resources in the world - Callisto is at risk of closing their doors. How can this be?
We dive into a very REAL conversation about what’s at stake. Activist, educator and Jeffrey Epstein survivor, Jess Michaels, underscores the fact that surviving sexual assault is difficult on many levels - but it is made a bit easier when you aren’t alone in it; Callisto is a force for healing in that sense.
The three of us converse boldly about the REAL good being done and the voices and financial backing needed to continue that important work. Join me, Jess, Tracy and the team as we imagine a world in which survivors of sexual violence are supported and empowered to find healing and justice on their own terms. We hope you will join in this important conversation…
We got passionate and informed in this episode.I had the honor of hosting @TracyDeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, a survivor-founded nonprofit that has been able to create an encrypted platform allowing sexual assault survivors to find others harmed by the same perpetrator, without requiring them to report or come forward publicly. With a match in the Callisto Vault system, survivors receive free and confidential legal options counseling. This is a win-win-win and yet – with all of the money and resources in the world - Callisto is at risk of closing their doors. How can this be?
We dive into a very REAL conversation about what’s at stake. Activist, educator and Jeffrey Epstein survivor, Jess Michaels, underscores the fact that surviving sexual assault is difficult on many levels - but it is made a bit easier when you aren’t alone in it; Callisto is a force for healing in that sense.
The three of us converse boldly about the REAL good being done and the voices and financial backing needed to continue that important work. Join me, Jess, Tracy and the team as we imagine a world in which survivors of sexual violence are supported and empowered to find healing and justice on their own terms. We hope you will join in this important conversation…
Resources mentioned in this episode:
TED Talk: The reporting system that sexual assault survivors want | Jessica Ladd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orumugzJpt0
Previous season episodes with guest, Jess Michaels:
Surviving Epstein; Normalizing Our Response to Sexual Assault - part 1
https://www.listenforreal.com/surviving-epstein-normalizing-our-response-to-sexual-assault-part-1/
Surviving Epstein; Normalizing Our Response to Sexual Assault - part 2
https://www.listenforreal.com/surviving-epstein-normalizing-our-response-to-sexual-assault-part-2/
Our Guests:
Tracy DeTomasi
Tracy has held leadership positions over the past 20 years, across the nonprofit sector, where she developed and implemented trauma-informed programming and curricula. She was instrumental in changing domestic violence laws in the US and has worked on projects globally with The Commonwealth of Nations, Ecuador, Australia, The United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana. Previously, Tracy was the Co-Founder of Good People Collective, the Interim Executive Director at NO MORE, and the VP of Domestic Violence Services at the YWCA.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Tracy has extensive experience working in the field of gender-based violence, giving her a deep understanding of the ecosystem of survivors, offenders, and allies. She has consulted with organizations to develop tech-based tools, such as an app that educates users about violence against women, a smartphone device for sexual violence prevention safety, and virtual reality trainings to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Anti-Sexual Harassment.
Website: https://www.projectcallisto.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callisto/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callistoorg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/callisto-tech-to-combat-sexual-assault/
Jess Michaels is a dance industry professional with 30 years experience as a performer, educator, and entrepreneur.
She is also a 1991 survivor of sexual assault by Jeffrey Epstein and childhood sexual abuse.
Shockingly, her healing journey began December 14, 2012, after she and her hometown of Newtown CT were devastated by the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Jess not only witnessed the impact of mass tragedy all around her but also experienced the full force of her past trauma catching up to her.
In 2015, Jess found immense purpose and hope when she joined Dylan’s Wings of Change, a foundation dedicated to Dylan Hockley, one of the first-grade victims in the mass shooting. She helped develop the Wingman program for dance studios, sports, and schools and her work as a speaker & educator on empathy, inclusion, and community-building began.
It was there in Newtown, teaching dance classes and working alongside brave parents who lost their children, Jess began to connect the value of shame-free, community-based early trauma intervention to the needs of sexual assault survivors.
The 2019 arrest of Epstein motivated her to finally confront her past. Breaking her #MeToo silence, she channeled her own healing journey into action.
Today, she's the founder and driving force behind 3Joannes SAFR—a groundbreaking Sexual Assault First Aid Certification Course and SA First Aid Kit (mobile app). Through her work, Jess equips communities with the tools to minimize the devastating long-term effects of sexual violence.
Her ultimate goal? To ensure no one else loses decades shackled by the ghosts of unprocessed trauma, as she did.
Website: https://www.jessmichaelsspeaks.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessmichaelsspeaks
About Jen Oliver:
I pursue and create environments where we converse on the REAL stuff that changes us. I’m designed to bring others on my personal journey with honest admissions to help us all transform - that’s my sweetspot and I speak, lead, and write from that space.
REAL conversations stir deeper connection and community - to explore ways that you can work with me, go to:
email: jen@REALjenoliver.com
podcast website: ListenForREAL.com
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