Working in 'the city of steel'

When it came to be my turn to have the notorious shirt, I thought to myself, “Why did I agree to do this? I hate writing! I do not do anything to end sexual violence!” But then I realized that I am an advocate at my local sexual violence center, where I go out on medical calls and take calls on the helpline.

My week with the shirt was pretty uneventful at first. I went to a famous bridge here in Pittsburgh to take a picture with the shirt with my little family, got all the way there, paid for expensive parking (I am not a Pittsburgh native and do not know the places to park yet!), and realized I did not bring the shirt with me! I took a picture anyway as you can see.

Midweek I did a helpline shift where I was able to be available for those that called.

At the end of the week, I was out on a medical call with another advocate (I wanted to shadow again because I had been gone for the summer). The survivor (as all survivors are) was an amazing, powerful person who reminded me why I am involved in the fight against gender-based violence. She managed to escape from the abuse and kicked on every door in her apartment complex while yelling for help until someone opened their door (this was very early in the morning). I loved being able to be a support for her while also being able to inform her of all that was happening and all that PAAR can offer. The SANE nurse was amazing (and is sadly moving out of state) and so was the detective. Both were sensitive to the victim's needs and did their jobs flawlessly.

Pennsylvania is a great state because it does a lot for victims of sexual violence. Victims can go to the E.R. and have the rape kit, prophylactics (Anti-STD medicine), and Plan B paid for. Pennsylvania also has a victims compensation fund that helps victims pay for some of the expenses that come up after being raped. I am so happy to be here working in PA with PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against Rape). PAAR does absolutely everything they can to help victims, and they love their volunteers.

I have a darling daughter, and really, she is the person I teach every day about how to be an amazing human. I wholeheartedly believe in teaching one's family, community, and friends, even if just through everyday interactions, nothing big.

It is in our day-to-day that we learn what to value, how to help, and who we are.