I Laugh in the Face of Trauma
Alexandra Stevenson, B.Soc.Sc | September 23 | 1:30-2:30 PM
Topic: Experience | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Alexandra believes that more often than we care to think, trauma is the gateway that leads to trouble. She shares how unaddressed childhood sexual assault led a young girl from a seemingly “picture perfect” family down the rabbit hole into a world of drugs, specifically methamphetamine, and a violent relationship. After nearly losing her life, Alexandra spent three and a half years alternately in hiding from and in court against her abuser, until one fateful night when a random encounter resulted in his death. Despite recognizing her circumstance as domestic violence, it wasn’t until more than a decade later that Alexandra realized she had also been sex trafficked. This realization spurred the motivation to co-found Uprising, an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization. The more understanding there is surrounding difficult topics, the more opportunity there is for victims to be able to put a name to what is happening to them and then seek appropriate resources to help. Alexandra wants to help start this conversation in a way that makes it more approachable as she chooses to heal from her trauma through activism, human connection, and laughter.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe the survivor's lived experience
· Discuss critical vulnerabilities that lead to further traumatization
· Explain what was learned through her experience and ways to prevent other victimizations