Speak the Voice In Me Finding Life and Life Giving Breath After Sexual Trauma

This training was presented by Melanie Barton, a survivor/advocate/forensic interviewer. It was part of MOVA's 2024 Victim Rights Month commemoration. Melanie shared her experience as a survivor through personal pictures and descriptions along with her journey through Pelvic Pain/Dysfunction and loving and being loved after trauma. Melanie presented her own survivor story detailing the impact the Child Advocacy Model/Forensic Interview had on her finding her voice and breaking the silence for the very first time. She shared her deep and ongoing connection and the value of her MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team). She talked about the Journey that unfolded through the past 19 years of healing, faith & determination to use her pain for purpose and to become an advocate with a look into her 10+ year Career in Victim Services and Advocacy as a whole. Melanie broke down the impact of the Multi-Disciplinary Team she had in the State of New Hampshire and the importance of the Child Advocacy Center Model. Melanie talked about the Hope and Healing she walks in now as the result of putting in the hard work as a survivor and the support and encouragement that was crucial from fellow survivors and providers along the way. Melanie also touched on the impact the criminal justice process has on survivors of crime. April 4, 2024.