The She Matters Podcast

She Matters
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A podcast about sexual violence activism, healing, and community. By survivors, for survivors and allies. In this space, we challenge injustices facing survivors while sharing inspiring stories of survivors and advocates who are paving the way for positive change.

Episodes

  1. Aug 4

    We Rise Series: A Conversation About Spreading Your Wings and Sharing Your Truth with Jayden Posen

    In this episode, we're joined by Jayden Posen. Jayden is a survivor advocate who courageously shares her story of surviving attempted human trafficking and sexual assault, and of turning those experiences into fuel for her advocacy. Jayden's experiences with sexual assault in nightlife spaces moved her to fight for stronger protections within Toronto's nightlife community and beyond. She believes survivors deserve safe spaces, and that conviction drives everything she does. She is young, honest, and incredibly determined to create systemic change, Jayden joins us for a conversation that is as raw as it is hopeful. Content note: this episode includes discussion of grooming, sexual assault, attempted human trafficking, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care and take breaks where needed. Episode Timeline 00:30 - Introduction to Advocacy and Jayden's Personal Journey 02:48 - The Importance of Healing and Awareness 11:14 - Nightlife Safety and Bystander Responsibility 16:00 - Systemic Gaps in Accountability 20:16 - Victim Blaming and the Need for Change 25:27 - Advocacy for Systemic Change 30:19 - Jayden's Healing Journey and Reclamation 35:00 - Metaphors of Healing: The Butterfly's Journey 39:12 - Self-Care in Advocacy 43:21 - Creating Safe Spaces for Survivors 48:01 - The Importance of Collaboration in Advocacy 49:29 - Messages of Hope and Future Aspirations About Jayden Jayden's advocacy is rooted in lived experience. Drawing on years of surviving grooming, exploitation, and systemic failure, she helps others recognize the warning signs before harm occurs by working through public speaking and media engagement to build stronger systems of prevention, accountability, and survivor protection. Her goal is simple: to build safer communities and a better future for the next generation. How To Connect with Jayden Instagram: @jaydenposen LinkedIn: Jayden Posen Website: www.jaydenposen.info

    We Rise Series: A Conversation About Spreading Your Wings and Sharing Your Truth with Jayden Posen

  2. Jun 17

    Centering Youth Voices: Youth-Led Prevention and Addressing Harm with Shael Norris

    What does it actually look like to put young people at the center of preventing sexual violence? In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Shael Norris, Founding Executive Director of SafeBAE, and a former staff member of V-Day, to talk about her path from "accidental activism" to building one of the only youth- and survivor-led prevention organizations in the United States. Shael shares why SafeBAE does things differently. From paying the young survivors they work with, why youth sit on the organizations board of directors (not a separate youth advisory board), and what she's learned about the delicate line between healing and activism. The conversation moves into SafeBAE's school-based prevention models and certified peer educator training, the research showing why one-off assemblies don't work. The conversation moves to discussing VibeCheck — a first-of-its-kind accountability tool designed to reach people who have caused or fear they've caused harm, before they spiral further. Shael closes with her single most important piece of advice for parents. This episode is a candid, hopeful conversation about meeting young people where they are, passing the torch, and refusing to look away from the hardest parts of this work. 00:00 – Welcome 00:26 – "Accidental activism": Eve Ensler, V-Day, and finding the work 04:46 – A dress code, Title IX, and the gaps no one was filling 07:51 – Founding SafeBAE and partnering with the youth from Audrie & Daisy 14:06 – From Sundance to 33 schools in the first year 18:51 – Why young people have value, and why you should be paying them 22:53 – Youth in the trenches: putting young people on the board 28:45 – Healing vs. activism, and not making trauma your identity 38:39 – Passing the torch and leaving ego at the door 43:45 – "Know Before You Nude" and being surprised by the adults 50:38 – SafeBAE's prevention "buffet" and certified peer educator training 56:08 – What the research says: why one-off programs fail 1:00:08 – Accountability tools, restorative justice, and culture change 1:04:15 – The origin of VibeCheck: interrupting harmful pathways online 1:12:17 – Don't create their "villain origin story" 1:21:29 – One call to action for parents: be the person they can call 1:25:33 – Where to find SafeBAE and VibeCheck Resources & Links: SafeBAE - safebae.org VibeCheck by SafeBAE - checkyourvibe.org REES Community (anonymous reporting platform) - reescommunity.com Audrie & Daisy - 2016 documentary, found on Netflix V-Day - vday.org Connect with She Matters: www.shematters.ca or email: hello@shematters.ca If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone in your community.

    Centering Youth Voices: Youth-Led Prevention and Addressing Harm with Shael Norris

  3. 11/13/2025

    Exploring Restorative Justice with Dee Rooke

    In this conversation, Dee Rooke, a restorative justice community worker, discusses the principles and practices of restorative justice, emphasizing its focus on survivor healing and community involvement. Dee shares personal experiences and insights into how restorative justice differs from traditional criminal justice systems, highlighting the importance of survivor-centered approaches and the need for diverse options in addressing harm. The discussion also explores barriers to implementing restorative justice, the transformative potential of community support, and the necessity of reimagining care pathways for survivors of sexual violence. 00:00: Introduction to Restorative Justice 01:11: Defining Restorative Justice 04:39: Survivor-Centered Approaches 09:37: Exploring Restorative Practices 14:37: Barriers to Restorative Justice 18:17: Personal Journey into Restorative Justice 21:22: Transformative Experiences in Restorative Justice 26:20: The Importance of Healing and Accountability 32:59: Community-Based Models for Addressing Harm 36:59: Reimagining Care Pathways for Survivors Keywords: restorative justice, survivor healing, community support, sexual violence, accountability, transformative justice, social work, healing processes, justice reform, community initiatives

  4. 06/09/2025

    Breaking the Silence: Debriefing the World Juniors Sexual Assault Trial Pt. 1

    In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Christie Pachakis from SOAR Initiative to reflect on the recent World Juniors sexual assault trial - a case that has shaken the nation and forced uncomfortable but necessary conversations about consent, accountability, victim blaming, and rape culture in sports. Together, we break down the trial, the impact on survivors, and the media's role in shaping public perception. But more importantly, we go beyond the headlines to address a deeper, systemic issue: the urgent need for comprehensive consent education and the responsibility we have to teach young people about respectful, healthy sexual conduct. We also highlight SOAR Initiative’s important advocacy work, including their Change.org petition to the NHL, demanding stronger accountability measures in professional sports. Tune in for a conversation that calls us all in—and asks: what are we doing to shift culture and protect future generations? Guest: Christie Pachakis – Survivor, Advocate, Founder and Director of SOAR Initiative Resources Mentioned: Sign the Petition to the NHL – https://chng.it/2pHGj4HH9Y

  5. 06/03/2025

    Bridging the Gaps: Survivor-Centered Solutions for Enhanced Care Pathways

    Join us for a deeply moving and powerful panel discussion hosted by She Matters and moderated by MMIWG2S+ survivor advocate Fallon Farinacci. This special episode, recorded during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2025, brings together survivors, care providers, and advocates from across Turtle Island to explore the systemic barriers faced by survivors of sexual and domestic violence when accessing care and justice. Panelists share personal experiences, innovative ideas, and bold calls to action to address the gaps in access to forensic evidence collection, trauma-wise care, culturally relevant support, and legal advocacy. The conversation centers survivor voices and offers a powerful look at community-led, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed innovations to create change. Panelists Include: This Woman’s Truth: survivor and victim’s rights advocate in Canada and Italy. Asmaa Ali: award-winning registered nurse, researcher, and health equity advocate. Sarah Hope: trauma-informed care provider with over 20 years of frontline counselling experience. Keara Dean: Sexual assault survivor, counsellor, and grassroots advocate. Patti MacIntomney: Elder, legal trailblazer, and survivor advocate. Nadia George: actor, somatic trauma-informed care provider, and environmental justice advocate. Jayden Ode'imin: Anishinaabe and Southeast Asian designer, advocate, and survivor. Moderator: Fallon Farinacci, Red River Métis survivor advocate and speaker for MMIWG2S+. Topics Covered: - Barriers to accessing care in rural, remote, and northern communities - The retraumatization of survivors within healthcare and legal systems - The importance of culturally relevant, land-based, and peer-led healing practices - Innovations in survivor-led justice, including private prosecutions - Gaps in family court, police response, and mental health supports - National calls to action for advocacy and systemic reform Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, system failures, and trauma. Please listen with care. Available On: All major podcast platforms and at www.shematters.ca/bridgingthegapspanel Connect with Us: Follow @SheMattersUnited on Instagram and Facebook, or get in touch at www.shematters.ca/bridgingthegapspanel.

    Bridging the Gaps: Survivor-Centered Solutions for Enhanced Care Pathways

  6. 03/10/2025

    We Rise Series: Destiny Douglas

    Content Warning: This episode features themes of assault perpetrated by law enforcement/authority figures, secondary trauma rooting from the reporting process, and isolation for survivors in northern and remote communities. These themes may be difficult to navigate for some listeners. As always, protect your peace. Note: To keep the authenticity of the conversation between Jacqueline and Destiny, this episode has been released with minimal edits. Destiny did experience some technical challenges from her end at the end of our call, but her message remained so powerful throughout.  Travelling for access to court: 4:50 - 5:00 Gaps in care for survivors in northern and remote communities: ongoing throughout the episode Processing the immediate trauma of SA: 6:55 - 7:16 Treatment in hospital: 10:45 - 14:20 Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Exam: 14:28 - 22:13 Reporting to police: 23:00 - 30:22 Sexual violence education in school: 31:12 - 34:00 Struggles with friends following disclosure of SA: 36:00 - 42:18 Appeal of conviction: 47:00 - 52:00 Cross examination: 52:58 - 54:18 Details of sexual assault and disassociation / frozen fright: 54:33 - 55:26, 1:13:18 - 1:15:14 Navigating trauma over time: 56:50 - 1:17:10 To learn more about Destiny's story, please visit the following links:  https://www.nugget.ca/2018/05/11/destiny-douglas-confronts-her-rapist-in-court  https://globalnews.ca/news/5405424/sexual-assault-survivor-ex-toronto-cop/  https://www.manitoulin.com/appeal-denied/ https://www.manitoulin.com/sexual-assault-survivor-begins-her-advocacy-for-victims-rights/ https://torontosun.com/news/crime/victim-vindicated-as-her-ex-cop-rapist-loses-appeal Life After Inspiration Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Life.after.inspire

  7. 10/20/2024

    We Rise Series: Courtney Gaudreau

    We Rise Series: Courtney Gaudreau – From Survivor to Advocate In this powerful episode, we sit down with Courtney Gaudreau, a survivor of sexual assault turned advocate, to explore her personal journey of navigating life post-assault. Courtney shares her deeply moving story, detailing her experiences in reporting her assault, navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system, and ultimately finding her voice as a powerful advocate for survivors' ability to remove publication bans.  We discuss the emotional and legal challenges she faced while seeking justice, including her courageous decision to have her publication ban lifted so she could publicly name her abuser. Courtney sheds light on the realities many survivors face when interacting with the justice system and opens up about the reforms she hopes will create a more just and compassionate experience for future survivors. Besides her advocacy work, Courtney is a co-organizer of the Voices Against Violence Rally, an event dedicated to raising awareness about GBV and IPV. You can learn more about the rally, taking place on October 21st in cities across Canada, and get involved by visiting Voices Rally. Articles referenced in this episode: Sudbury woman working to give victims a voice ‘Not going to let this destroy me’: Sudbury woman speaks out for sexual assault survivors Sudbury woman wins right to publicize her abuser’s name Sexual assault survivor turned advocate shares her story Tune in to this episode to hear Courtney’s inspirational journey and learn more about her advocacy for change in the criminal justice system.

    We Rise Series: Courtney Gaudreau

  8. 05/03/2023

    All Things Accessibility with Soar Initiative

    In this episode, we are joined by Christie Paschakis. Christie is Branch Head at the Toronto Public Library, a Senior Editor with Acumen Magazine, and the Founder of Soar Initiative. Throughout this episode, we discuss forensic evidence accessibility in Canada. Christie shares the findings of her most recent article with the Acumen Magazine, "The Long & Storied History of Rape Kits". We dive into the history of sexual assault kits, and new innovations making place around the world to enhance accessibility to forensic evidence collection. Resources: The Long & Storied History of Rape Kits https://www.theacumengroup.org/single-post/the-long-storied-history-of-rape-kits EEKs in London - https://library.college.police.uk/docs/appref/C909E0418 Soar Initiative - https://linktr.ee/soar_initiativecanada

    All Things Accessibility with Soar Initiative
  • 8 Episodes

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A podcast about sexual violence activism, healing, and community. By survivors, for survivors and allies. In this space, we challenge injustices facing survivors while sharing inspiring stories of survivors and advocates who are paving the way for positive change.

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