Bearing Witness to Stories of Sexual Abuse and Racial Trauma

*Please note that this episode contains discussions of sexual
abuse and sexual activity, and is intended for adult audiences
only. Listener discretion is advised.*

Linda Royster and Sue Cunningham join Dan Allender to discuss the
transformative impact of Recovery Weeks. 


Recovery Week is a holistic experience designed to create a
relational, healing space for survivors to explore and engage the
impact of their stories of sexual abuse. The Allender Center
offers a Men’s Recovery Week, a Women’s Recovery Week, and a
Women’s Recovery Week with a Focus on Racial Trauma & Healing
for Women of Color.


With extensive involvement in Women’s Recovery Weeks for many
years, Linda and Sue, along with Vanessa Sadler, are leading this
year’s inaugural Women’s Recovery Week with a Focus on Racial
Trauma and Healing.


Reflecting on her initial experience as the sole Woman of Color
in attendance, Linda shares how profoundly impactful the healing
experience was, sparking her desire to create a dedicated space
addressing the intersectionality of sexual abuse and racial
trauma for Women of Color.


An important aspect of this Recovery Week is the acknowledgment
of how women of color may carry the shame of trauma differently.
Linda emphasizes understanding the reality of identity and how it
informs the response to the harm suffered within both the
community and the larger context. This unique identity informs
questions about whether care will be available and whether spaces
will be made accessible for women who hold certain identities.
This aspect of the work during the Recovery Week aims to
recognize and honor these differences, ensuring that care is
accessible and tailored to the needs of Women of Color.


For those curious about the essence of a Recovery Week, this
episode offers a glimpse into the healing processes and profound
connections forged during these events.


You’ll hear firsthand about how participants engage in intimate
conversations exploring their healing journey, confronting the
challenges of shame and betrayal, and celebrating the beauty of
finding belonging and mutual support through bearing witness to
each other's stories.



If you’d like more information about Recovery Weeks with the
Allender Center, please visit
theallendercenter.org/workshops.