Blog

written by: Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, F2F Communications & Student Outreach Director   When people hear the phrase “sexual violence prevention,” they often imagine conversations that happen in high school or college. But many of the skills that help create...

CONTENT NOTICE: Trauma, PTSD, Unhealthy Relationships written by: Bella Emanuele, F2F intern, fall 2025 Love and connection can be beautiful and deeply meaningful experiences — especially when they are rooted in safety, respect, and compassion.  For many survivors,...

CONTENT NOTICE: Military Sexual Trauma, Alcohol Facilitated Sexual Assault written by: Faith Rodriguez, F2F intern, fall 2025 Each year on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform — those who stood ready to defend our...

CONTENT NOTICE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE written by: Faith Rodriguez, F2F intern, summer 2025 Behind Closed Doors When people hear “domestic violence,” they often picture bruises or physical violence. But abuse is rarely that simple. It is a calculated pattern of control...

written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 Dave Long was introduced to Fear 2 Freedom (F2F) through Tricia Russell, who was already working with the organization. His decision to join was driven by his genuine appreciation for the mission. “I believe it’s the...

written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 Tricia Russell's journey with Fear 2 Freedom began over a decade ago when she was invited by Rosemary Trible to a luncheon focused on introducing people to the organization and recruiting volunteers for its first...

written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 For the past seven years, Fran has been a devoted board member of Fear 2 Freedom, an organization she believes in deeply. What initially drew her in—and continues to inspire her—is the energy and passion that founder...

written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 Nicole Goldman has been with Fear 2 Freedom for nearly two years. Her journey with the organization began when Dave Long, a colleague she had worked with on panels, reached out to her. He invited her to attend a Fear...

written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 Beth Young has dedicated her career to forensic nursing, serving at Riverside Hospital for 17 years and joining the forensics team two years in. From the very beginning, she has been a crucial link between Riverside...

written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 Denise has been a passionate advocate for Fear 2 Freedom since May of 2017; she was first introduced to the organization by her longtime friend, Tricia Russell. As the mother of a sexual assault survivor, Denise felt...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL ASSAULT, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS, RACISM written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025 Many people are aware of the #metoo movement, which became part of the public vocabulary during the sexual harassment and abuse allegations...

CONTENT NOTICE: DATING VIOLENCE, TEEN VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, ABUSE, STALKING, HARRASSMENT written by: Karli Wilson, F2F intern, fall 2024 Understanding Teen Dating Violence: Dating is a significant part of adolescence—a time when young...

CONTENT NOTICE: STALKING, HARRASSMENT written by: Karli Wilson, F2F intern, fall 2024 & Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, F2F Communications & Student Outreach Director Stalking is a serious issue that can have profound effects on its victims, often crossing...

CONTENT NOTICE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE written by: Isabella Notvedt, F2F Partnerships & Logistics Manager The holidays are often a time of great joy and filled with time-honored traditions. But for a survivor of domestic violence, the holiday season can...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL ABUSE written by: Jordan Tinsley, F2F intern, summer 2024 Although Native Americans have experienced a rich and dynamic history preceding the founding of the United States, November was not officially recognized as Native American Heritage Month...

CONTENT NOTICE: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ABUSE, PHYSICAL ABUSE, EMOTIONAL ABUSE, STALKING written by: Jade Grindle, F2F intern, fall 2024 Although the scars of intimate partner violence are not always visible, the effects often leave a profound impact on...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE, TRAUMA, ACES written by: Tracy Johnson, F2F intern, summer 2024 In the United States, trauma is such a prominent issue that impacts millions of people. Trauma comes in many different forms, unique to each individual. It can stem from...

Within our society, amidst whispered conversations and uncomfortable truths, lies an insidious force that permeates our daily lives: rape culture. It’s a term that sparks discomfort, denial, and often heated debates. But what exactly is rape culture, and why is it such a pressing issue?

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE, ABUSE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES written by: Karli Wilson, F2F intern, spring 2024 With April being both Autism awareness month and sexual assault awareness month, it is an ideal time to shed light on where these topics...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE, RACISM, SEXISM written by: Linda Li, F2F intern, spring 2024 Black History Month is indeed a time of celebration and joy, but it is also an opportunity to spotlight the work we need to do to support Black survivors of sexual violence....

written by: Linda Li & Tracy Johnson, F2F interns, spring 2024 During our recent visit to Riverside Regional Medical Center, forensic nurse examiner Beth Young walked us through the rapid development of forensic nursing as a subset of nursing in the past decade,...

The abuse of older adults (60 years of age or older) is a much more prevalent issue than many of us would like to believe, and it’s one that is too often overlooked. Of all the different forms of elder abuse, sexual abuse is the least reported. Similarly to sexual violence perpetuated against younger individuals, there are many factors at play as to why someone may not come forward.

written by: Tracy Johnson, F2F intern, summer 2023 CONTENT NOTICE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE For domestic violence awareness month, it’s fitting to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that are spread amongst the world. Not only do most...

Our founder, Rosemary Trible, has dedicated her life to supporting sexual assault victims. After witnessing so many people leaving the hospital after a PERK exam looking traumatized and many still even having to wear their hospital gowns out, Rosemary decided to create Fear 2 Freedom in hopes of preserving the dignity of survivors and providing education to communities across the nation.

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE written by: Rachel Thornton, F2F Intern Summer 2023 You have probably heard of Title IX, the federal law that prevents sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. You may have even heard of the Clery Act, which...

written by: Kadetra Cooper, Fear 2 Freedom COO “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own...

written by: Caroline Branch, F2F Intern Spring 2023 Healing from a hardship tends to be a personal journey that is walked alone. Whether that is a personal choice or reality, having a strong, positive support system contributes to healing. Social isolation and...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE written by: Virginia Woodward, CEO, Fear 2 Freedom During Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s a look at how devastating sexual violence is for the wellbeing of victims & survivors. F2F CEO Virginia Woodward shares how to take...

written by: Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs WHAT'S THIS YEAR’S FOCUS? NSVRC's theme for #SAAM2023 is "Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity". So what does that actually mean? It's about recognizing how sexual violence is inextricably linked to...

written by: Isabella Notvedt, F2F Partnerships & Logistics Coordinator What is a woman? The answer greatly depends on the person answering. Will the answer be based on culture? On physical appearance? On personalities or traits? Even dictionaries have different...

written by: Abigail Sams, Fear 2 Freedom Development Coordinator Growing up, one of my favorite movies was Disney’s Mulan. She was strong, fierce, beautiful, and different. Not only did she save China, but she also showed her family, her country, and all of us...

CONTENT NOTICE: NEGATIVE SELF TALK written by: Kadetra Cooper, Fear 2 Freedom COO “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss “Trust yourself.  You know more than you think you do.” – Benjamin Spock According to PositivePsychology.com, one of...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE written by: Josie Carter, Logistics & Partnerships Intern (Fall 2022) Every 68 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in the United States, but only 310 out of 1,000 get reported to the police. Survivors that speak up often go...

CONTENT NOTICE: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, SEXUAL VIOLENCE, VICTIM BLAMING, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY written by: Tina* *a pseudonym - All the names in this story have been changed - I never thought I’d have the strength to do this, especially not so soon. I have...

Written by Rachel Thornton, F2F Development & Grants Intern (Summer 2022) October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the time to spread awareness about the ten million Americans who face domestic violence each year. Domestic violence refers to a...

By Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs The start of Hispanic Heritage Month marks a time for all of us to reflect on, learn from, and celebrate the incredible diversity of Hispanic & Latinx communities in our histories, cultures, identities, and...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE written by: Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen The start of the academic year is a time of anticipation & preparation for both seniors beginning their final year of high school as well as college freshmen embarking on this new chapter of...

CONTENT NOTICE: GUN VIOLENCE, VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN/MINORS, DEATH Written by: January Serda, Chief Operating Officer Joy is such a sweet word. It is defined as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Joy often can be a feeling we do not have every day,...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, ABUSE TOWARDS LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES written by: Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, F2F Director of Programs How Survivor Experiences Differ Although LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual/intimate partner violence (SV/IPV) may face...

CONTENT NOTICE: CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT, SEXUAL VIOLENCE written by: Shelly Averett, F2F Development Coordinator A note from the author: Before I begin, I want to emphasize that I am in no way an expert in this topic. I, just like many of you taking the time to read...

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE, VICTIM BLAMING, BULLYING written by: Honey Bear* *a pseudonym - All the names in this story have been changed - BEFORE THE NIGHT My friend Emily invited me out to celebrate a recent event in her and her partner's life. Initially I was...

As we gear up for our 10th Anniversary Gala next month, here is a historical blog from our fearless founder, Rosemary Trible, sharing her survivor story & why she started Fear 2 Freedom…My name is Rosemary Trible, and my life changed forever on December 21, 1975....

CONTENT NOTICE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE written by: Teagan Mauck, F2F Fall 2021 Programs Intern Surviving sexual trauma and/or intimate partner violence can be an isolating and traumatizing experience. It is a well-documented fact that only about 30% of sexual assaults are...

Written by: January Serda, F2F Chief Operating Officer My life is full of responsibilities, a to-do list that never seems to end, and many people leaning on me for support in all forms. During the holidays, these all amplify unwanted guests like stress, anxiety and...

written by: Brooke Wallace, F2F Fall 2021 Intern As someone who is deeply interested in psychology and working with children, it is important to me that people truly understand the roots of mental health and how to maintain one’s mental health. The term “mental...

written by: Shelly Averett, F2F Development Assistant Have you ever wondered why things happen in your mind and body throughout your life? All things spiritual aside, I’m talking about the underlying biological and neurological effects accumulated from your birth to...

As a university student I was violently assaulted. At the time – faced with death – surviving seemed important. But I didn’t know how hard the journey from victim to survivor would be.  In my experience, healing is a journey that takes time, courage and grace....

REALIZING THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE HAD ALL ALONG, AND HOW TO HARNESS IT IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS By: Abby Sams, F2F Summer 2021 Programs Intern Life is beautifully fickle; it can bring about glorious change, extremely tough circumstances, or some mix of the two. When life...

By: Barbara Clarke “Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.” - Madeline L’Engle I consider myself one of the lucky ones: Not only did I recover a long-buried memory, but I received great help from a therapist to do so. The challenge,...

By Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs It has been over a year since the pandemic began and although we’re starting to see the horizon, many are still facing the same persistent challenges. For Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities these...

By Madison Laughlin Consent, in simple terms, is the agreement to do something. Growing up many of us were told, rightfully so, that consent is the most important part in any kind of relationship. To give some perspective and visual aid to the topic of consent, this...

By Maddie Habron For Women’s History Month, we are sharing one of the unsung heroes of the sexual violence awareness and prevention world: Marty Goddard. Since she invented the rape kit in the 1970s, it has revolutionized evidence gathering and helped to bring...

Content warning: child sexual abuse, intimate partner rape,  By Beatrice,* a survivor *A pseudonym  My name is Beatrice, and I am a survivor of child sexual assault and intimate partner rape. I never expected to feel brave enough to write and share my story on a...

By Madeline Malnight January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Here are some things you might not know about stalking and how it impacts those victimized by it. What is the definition of stalking?  Stalking occurs when someone experiences repeated patterns of...

By Denisha Hedgebeth and Sydni Ewell, The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors The American Psychological Association defines trauma as a psychological and emotional response to a terrible event. Right after the event, someone might experience shock and denial. Other,...

By Maddie Habron, Director of Grants and Partnerships Last year and this year, in November 2019 and 2020, the United States Government recognized Native American Heritage Month. In light of this anniversary, we want to illustrate the real danger of sexual violence...

By Maddie Habron, Director of Grants and Partnerships A recent study conducted in Australia found that survivors of child sexual abuse were much more likely than their non-abused peers to be sexually and physically assaulted later in life. This study reaffirms...

By Cheryl Chavers and Neisha Himes, Newport News Police Department Domestic Violence Team In October, we take thirty-one days to recognize the impacts of domestic violence. In truth, there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who suffer from domestic violence every...

By Denisha Hedgebeth and Sydni Ewell, The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors Social media and dating apps have become a much more common way to meet new people or find a partner. Social media such as Twitter, Discord, and Instagram allow people to connect with others...

by Gillian Hordusky, advocate As a survivor, I am not a stranger to hard conversations. I am very vocal on my college campus as a survivor. When I was a freshman, I was very excitable, outgoing, and overly friendly. On my freshman hall, I was the maintainer of the...

By Maddie Amos, Director of Grants and PartnershipsThe Red Zone describes the first few months of the Fall Semester when students are going to or returning to college.  Here are some responses from members of the Fear 2 Freedom community reflecting on these...

By Matthew Arthur, Nonprofit Intern Over the past few years, the Me Too Movement has allowed sexual assault survivors to share their stories and highlight the problem of sexual violence in multiple industries and institutions in society.  From government and media to...

By Maddie Amos, Director of Grants and Partnerships [Content: death, murder, sexual violence, violence against LGBTQ community, racism, hate crimes] Many people do not realize that sexual violence disproportionately impacts transgender people, especially transgender...

Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and acceptance and bring attention to issues we’re still facing. This June has been an especially turbulent one for so...

Lauren Carrasco-Kyllönen, Director of Programs Current events have many of us grappling with complicated emotions. Studies show these impacts may be felt on even deeper levels by Black survivors, who are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. Identity,...

Maddie Amos, Director of Grants and Partnerships When referring to survivors of sexual violence, the focus is typically on primary survivors. But an often overlooked demographic heavily impacted by sexual violence is secondary survivors. A 1995 study by Rory Remer and...

Rosemary Trible, Founder of Fear 2 Freedom My name is Rosemary Trible, and my life changed forever on December 21, 1975. But the story begins a few days earlier. I was 25 years old, and I was the host of a talk show called “Rosemary’s Guest Book” in Richmond, VA. I...

Grace Adams* Sadly, I have experienced two assaults within my eighteen years: one in high school, where a teacher asserted his unwanted power over a vulnerable girl, and the other within my first fresh relationship as a wide-eyed college freshman. Both men have...

*Trigger warning: description of sexual assault, suicidal thoughts.Vickie Garton-Gundling, Logistics Coordinator My name is Vickie, and I’m the Logistics Coordinator at Fear 2 Freedom. In this strange time of social distancing, it can be easy for survivors of sexual...

Maddie Amos, Director of Grants and Programs If someone decides to disclose an instance of sexual violence to you, it’s very important that you respond appropriately. This person has just shown incredible strength and vulnerability in telling you something deeply...

Maddie Amos, Director of Grants and Programs When many people think about February, Valentine’s Day is the first thing that comes to mind. This day is about celebrating love and showing those you care about how you feel. Many people don’t know, however, that this...

Maddie Amos, Director of Grants and Programs Welcome to Fear 2 Freedom’s new Be The Change Blog! Each month, our blog will feature an educational piece on an important topic within the world of sexual violence awareness and prevention.As Human Trafficking Awareness...