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We are Survivors...We are Warriors

The Warrior Network is a non-profit organization created by survivors of sexual violence. It is a safe place for survivors to come together to support each other. Please join us by supporting our effective programs and policies that are bound to make a measurable difference in the lives of others.

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TWN: WHO WE ARE

A Word About Us

The Warrior Network is a social advocacy group dedicated to community education regarding the crimes of sexual violence and unwavering support for survivors. TWN was founded by survivors of various types of sexual violence, ranging from childhood molestation to rape, who wanted a safe place to connect with other survivors around the country. Many times throughout a survivor’s healing process, there arises a need to interact with other survivors because we want to feel as if we are not the only ones going through the often re-traumatizing effects of counseling during healing. TWN is a forum for survivors to talk to one another and exchange ideas and feelings about the healing process, like what type of cognitive behavioral therapy or redirection exercises work and which ones are difficult. A survivor’s best chance at recovery is support, and The Warrior Network is another form of support to help guide them to a healthier way of living.

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A Message From TWN Founder & President

"WE ARE ALL WARRIORS"

A little over twenty years ago, I was raped for the first time at 16. My rapist re-entered my life again at 17 and began the grooming process once again. What followed was months of sexual abuse and repeated violation. Its very difficult to admit that I was violated at two different periods in my life by the same perpetrator, but statistically speaking, what happened to me is extremely common and happens much more frequently than one would like to think. Unfortunately, like many other survivors, I felt that I had no support to disclose what happened to me because many thought that I "allowed" my rapist to re-enter my life. The shame, embarassment, and guilt kept me from seeking help. Instead, I stayed silent by compartmentalizing the abuse to the point where I talked myself into believing that I somehow caused my abuse because I "invited" my rapist into my life and what he was doing to me was part of a normal relationship. My coping mechanism was alcohol, which eventually evolved into a massive addiction to alcohol and pills. This eventually culminated into suicide by intentional overdose in 2006. My heart stopped beating for a little over two minutes before emergency personnel were able to resuscitate me. I began trauma therapy after that, but the re-traumatizing effects that are common with rape survivors caused me to relapse twice before becoming clean and sober in September 2008. The road to get to where I am now took a very long time to traverse. I learned through therapy and various support groups that there are so many men and women who have survived the same circumstances that I have survived, but that there is no nationwide network of survivors to connect with each other for the support that is necessary to get through our pain. That has all changed with the inception of The Warrior Network. Empowering the survivor through support is necessary to get through our individual healing processes. Part of that support must include community education on these crimes for both sexual violence intervention and prevention. I will never stop fighting for men and women around the world like me, and I hope that you will join the fight as well. - Tamara Dallaire

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Community Outreach

EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY ON THE CRIMES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IS THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

One of the greatest defenses we have against the crimes of sexual violence is community education. The amount of people who do not understand what the crimes of sexual violence are, as well as actions that constitute being categorized as a crime of sexual violence, is staggering. A way of combating this fact is by continued presence in the community through education. By speaking out to communities within such settings as colleges, universities, hospitals/medical centers, law enforcement facilities and secondary schools, we are making a difference in the fight against sexual violence. If you are interested in having one of our survivors speak at your institution or organization, please contact The Warrior Network at TheWarriorNetworkRI@gmail.com.