1 in 3 women. 1 in 6 men.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is an issue that is discussed, treated, and handled with care every single day at Safe Alliance. It is a pressing and prevalent issue in our society, as the United States sees an average of 443,000 cases of sexual assault occur each year.
At Safe Alliance, our Sexual Trauma Resource Center (STRC) has a dedicated team of advocates and clinicians that guide and support survivors day in and day out. With their experience and guidance, survivors are able to start their journeys towards hope and healing.
Get to Know Our Clinicians
What do you wish people understood about trauma therapy?
"If I could tell a survivor one thing, I think what's most important is to know that although there's tons of different types of victimizations and violence and harm that happens in the world, it doesn't make yours less impactful. It doesn't mean that the things that you went through, the experiences you went through, aren't as valid as everyone else's." -Emily Ijames, MSW, LCSW (pictured left)
"That this is your own personal healing journey. I'm just a collaborator that gets to walk alongside you-- offering you dignity, choice, and safety. And with that, you only have to share your trauma with me if and when you're ready for that. I want to make sure that you feel in control during our sessions, and luckily you get to decide what that looks like." -Addie Haywood, MSW, LCSWA
I believe survivors because:
"They deserve it." -Leanna Pai, LCMHC, LPC, ATR-BC (pictured right)
"A lot of the time, survivors aren't believed and they deserved to be believed. Sometimes their family and friends, and even the legal system, can make them feel gaslit and invalidated. It's the respect they deserve." -Emily Ijames, MSW, LCSW
"It can feel really scary to come forward, and I think if we listen to survivors and believe them, then we can help create a culture where people don't feel so afraid to speak up when harm is done." -Stephanie Ledbetter, M. Ed., MSW, LCSWA
"A lot of times silence or keeping it to yourself may feel safer or easier just because of stigma, fear, or even emotional pain; but they chose to speak up anyway. The least that I can do is show compassion and offer them a space where they feel heard." -Addie Haywood, MSW, LCSWA
Healing starts when...
"Healing starts with acceptance, recognition about the trauma that you have been through. It encompasses safety, empowerment, and change. It means shifting away from the things that no longer serve you." -Carolyn Bego, MA, LCMHCA (pictured left)
"When survivors begin to realize that they can speak up for themselves and realize that they can take up space and be their own advocates." -Emily Ijames, MSW, LCSW
"When you decide it does. Sometimes on accident, sometimes on purpose. Either way works." -Leanna Pai, LCMHC, LPC, ATR-BC
"When you make the decision to prioritize your own needs and honor your own pace. Healing is not linear and having compassion in your journey is a great first step." -Addie Haywood, MSW, LCSWA
"Whenever a person feels ready to start. It's different for everybody, but I think the most important thing is experiencing some kind of compassion or care related to whatever you've experienced. It may be from yourself or it may be from others, but I think it's necessary." -Stephanie Ledbetter, M. Ed., MSW, LCSWA (pictured right)
What inspired you to want to work with survivors?
"I've always felt that mental health and mental health support is a human right, not a privilege. Its important to me to work in a setting that makes mental health support accessible to survivors. The population we serve generally has intersecting marginalizations that make accessing mental health care extremely challenging. I also enjoy validation and empowerment of working with survivors. It's the best feeling to grow alongside survivors as they work through their healing journey and feel confident in themselves and their choices. I love watching survivors shed shame and stigma to return to themselves, it's an honor and I'm grateful I get to experience it." -Leanna Pai, LCMHC, LPC, ATR-BC
"In my graduate school internship I found that it is a privilege to be present with someone during the darkest and most harmful parts of their lives-- to walk with them through healing and empowerment. Life can be so chaotic and overwhelming, and it is so easy to feel alone. I came into this field to be a person that can meet survivors where they are and create a safe space to honor their emotions, navigate trauma, and regain their power." -Addie Haywood, MSW, LCSWA (pictured left)
"My journey to becoming a therapist came later in life. After enjoying a successful career in computer technology, I felt a deep calling to go back to school in my 40s (which took some courage by the way) for my masters in mental health counseling. My varied life experiences have informed my passion for assisting others in navigating their life transitions. I love helping survivors see the potential of healing themselves of past hurts and trauma and building the life they truly deserve!" -Carolyn Bego, MA, LCMHCA
The STRC offers a wide variety of resources for survivors and victims of sexual trauma and human trafficking, including:
- Hospital accompaniment for SANE and Strangulation Kits
- Accompaniment for court proceedings, law enforcement reporting, etc.
- Long term advocacy services
- Safety planning
- Crisis intervention
- Referrals and resources
- Counseling*
- Support groups
- + more
For 24/7 support, call our Charlotte HOPE Line: 980.771.4673
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Our Office Number is: 704.332.9034
Charlotte Office:
601 E. 5th St.,
Suite 400
Charlotte, NC 28202
Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 9am - 6pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am - 7:30pm
Friday: 9am - 12pm
