Story by Jake Martin | photo provided by Jake Martin.

The issue of sexual assault in the United States is one of the most pervasive and universally affecting criminal issues that we face today. In the current judicial system, survivors are often not taken seriously, doubted, or pushed to the side and forgotten about. Despite this, there are very few organizations that actually help survivors of sexual assault and focus on changing the legal system.

The Survivor Shield Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy on behalf of sexual assault survivors. Where it differs from so many other organizations is in the fact that it functions to advocate for systemic legislative change and community action. What that looks like in the real world is representatives from Survivor Shield who dedicate their time to go and meet with members of the federal government to lobby for change. We make it a priority through mainstream legislative action to destigmatize sexual assault and promote a safer, more welcoming environment for those who come out as survivors. We also host several community outreach programs that benefit survivors of sexual assault directly such as direct donations to the therapy and recovery funds of survivors, donations to shelters, as well as countless other programs to raise public awareness on issues surrounding sexual assault.

On top of community outreach, we also focus on symbols of strength to destigmatize at a personal level. Wearing the blue ribbon of Survivor Shield is symbolic of the strength it takes to be a survivor. It displays solidarity with other survivors, as well as a commitment to end sexual assault and promote healing in all those you encounter. We encourage all to wear one. Through these displays of strength and solidarity, we can make the world a better place for survivors by simply adding a piece of jewelry to our wardrobes. And if you want to truly help our mission and organization. We welcome all to donate or volunteer at our website www.survivorshieldfoundation.com.