State News: Survivors, activists denounce new Title IX regulations in Democratic Women’s Caucus roundtable

“Now, I would have never had a Title IX claim to begin with,” Amanda Thomashow, founder of Lansing’s Survivor Strong, said.  In 2014, Thomashow made the first official Title IX complaint against former Olympic doctor, Michigan State physician and now-convicted sexual predator Larry Nassar. She said this complaint, which catalyzed an investigation into Nassar and MSU, would have… Continue reading State News: Survivors, activists denounce new Title IX regulations in Democratic Women’s Caucus roundtable

Amanda Thomashow on Why DeVos’s New Title IX Rule Hurts Survivors

Hi. I’m Amanda Thomashow, founder and executive director of Survivor Strong, formerly known as “The 2014 Title IX Complaint.” Also, I’m tired—like, really tired—just like so many other survivors, of having to fight for rights and protections and a seat at the tables where people are discussing my best interests. So, I’m really grateful to… Continue reading Amanda Thomashow on Why DeVos’s New Title IX Rule Hurts Survivors

Natural vs Synthetic Happiness

Contributor: Morgan McCaul Due to a series of unfortunate events earlier this spring, I was forced to voraciously watch TED Talks on March 17, 2020. It was a particularly painful process for me, as I harbor dread for the kinds of ‘constant optimization’ narratives and undertones that serve as the hallmark of TEDx. A bald, wrinkly,… Continue reading Natural vs Synthetic Happiness

What “Stay-at-Home” Means for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Contributor: Kelly McClintock As Michigan families spend significantly more time in the home due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and consequent stay-at-home orders,​ ​injuries in the home are expected to rise​. But accidental injuries are not the only type of harm on the rise at home; as one might expect, the stay-at-home orders which have… Continue reading What “Stay-at-Home” Means for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Reflection + Being Kind to Yourself

Contributor: Catherine Sherman Diaczok, RN, BSN  Wow. What a weird time, huh? I think many of us, myself included, oscillate between struggling to slow down, and searching for motivation. We’ve all heard (either from our own mouths, or the mouths of others) the variations of,  “I can’t concentrate.” “I didn’t get anything done.” “I’ve just… Continue reading Reflection + Being Kind to Yourself

Social Distancing… But How Distant Are We?

By Casey Sterle In just a few short weeks our world has changed drastically. Days that would have been spent at the office––chatting with other people, sharing jokes and snacks over meetings––and nights at the crowded bar––playing pool and darts––have been replaced by this new thing we call social distancing.   If someone had asked… Continue reading Social Distancing… But How Distant Are We?

Tackling #SAAM With Grace

SAAM 2020 Today marks the 19th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and with it a plethora of opportunities to raise awareness about and demonstrate support for survivors of gender-based violence in your community. Teal ribbons, town halls, and infographics abound. Here at Survivor Strong, we’re doing #SAAM a little differently. The thing about being… Continue reading Tackling #SAAM With Grace

Here’s why survivors, advocates say MSU and U-M have handled sexual abuse scandals similarly

**Original Article by Megan Banta at Lansing State Journal** YPSILANTI – “Here we are, again,” two sexual assault survivors and victim advocates said Thursday morning. Another doctor abusing athletes under the guise of medical treatment. Another Michigan university that created an environment that fostered sexual abuse for decades. Different survivors, and different stories, but the same… Continue reading Here’s why survivors, advocates say MSU and U-M have handled sexual abuse scandals similarly