Voices in Prevention

The Voices in Prevention Project is about demonstrating strength in our collective voice. Through each individual who speaks out, we assert what we stand for as a region. Together, we say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault.

It is only by providing safety, strengthening support, and increasing financial empowerment for survivors today that we can decrease the incidences of violence in the future. Judy Eakin, HEARTH

Let’s create an environment where sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported. Michelle Zmijanac, Pennsylvania Commission for Women

Homophobia reinforces problematic gender roles. I stand against it. Jason Lucarelli, Auberle

Make the honorable choice. Josh Storm, Slippery Rock University

If you did not hear a yes, then the answer is no. No more abuse. Kela Stubbs, Renewal Inc.

Assault is assault whether or not alcohol is present. The use of alcohol does not give you a right to touch someone just because you want to. Dr. Daniel Gittins, Duquesne University

Judaism teaches that every person is created in the divine image. Therefore, all of us deserve dignity, respect, and safety. Aaron Bisno, Rodef Shalom

Stop criminalizing rape survivors; they are not to blame. Starr Green, Amachi Pittsburgh

These issues affect everyone, so everyone needs to care about them. Samantha Dye, National Council of Jewish Women

Speaking as a former student-athlete, student-athletes do not take this seriously enough. We have to be the change. No more. Armani Davis, The Pittsburgh Promise

Domestic violence affects all of us. We must invest in evidence-based prevention to address its root cause and thrive as a society. Chelsea Pallatino, Magee-Women’s Research Institute

A 23% chance of being sexually assaulted in college is 100% unacceptable. Eliminate the statistic; end sexual violence. Michelle A. NKumsah, University of Pittsburgh

Women should not be treated as punching bags. They should be loved and respected. Elio M. Wade, Family Services of Western Pa.

I want to speak up and out about violence every day. I want to end the silence. Penelope Morrison, Penn State New Kensington

For the survivors in my life and all over, I can help change the conversation from blaming the victims to preventing the violence altogether. Jessica Hessler, University of Pittsburgh

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships. Alexandra Brooks, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA

Violence against women is not ‘just a women’s issue.’ We must all speak up. Mell Steven-Cosnek, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

You are strong. Believe in that strength and defend what you value. Know that you are worth it. Lisa Nakamura and Dr. Michele Montag, SETPoint: Strength and Empowerment Training

To survivors of violence, I believe you. I’m on your side, and I will continue to fight for you. Olivia Lammel, Elias/Savion Advertising Inc.

I am humbled by the survivors of sexual violence that I have come to know and strive to honor their conviction and legacy in my work and life on a daily basis. Chad A. Green, Shady Side Academy

Silence is not an option. It is amazing to me how the topic of sexual harassment has been blown out of the water after years and years of plain ignorance and tolerance. Monica Frezzell-Layton, Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

According to the DOJ, 61% of domestic violence offenders have problems with alcohol or drug abuse. Sharing my story not only helps me, but it inspires batterers and victims to educate themselves about addiction, abuse and relationships. Jeffrey C. Parker, Tadiso Inc

I hope to encourage survivors of abuse to become advocates and role models for individuals experiencing similar situations. Megan LaPorte, University of Pittsburgh

Ending gender violence and focusing on preventive work are critical components of creating stronger, safer, happier, healthier communities for ourselves and for future generations. Kiandra Foster, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

People with disabilities experience a much higher rate of abuse, including sexual violence, because of vulnerabilities and communication difficulty. We all need to be vigilant about this to prevent and intervene in abusive situations. Lu Randall, Autism Connection of PA

Walls need to be broken down by providing survivors a voice. This leads to empowerment, increased awareness and prevention. Seth Vlosich, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania

We must all stand against domestic violence and sexual inappropriateness. No more standing in silence. Geraldine Massey, Center of Life

We can and must eradicate gender and sexual violence. Britney Brinkman, Chatham University

Gender-based violence represents a directing of fear, pain and anger at those who are perceived as vulnerable. We need to address how to better manage those emotions. Judy Chang, University of Pittsburgh

Violence prevention is every human being’s responsibility. Anjali Soi, Sun Conflict Solutions

You are worth so much more than you’ve been taught to believe. You don’t deserve this. Bonnie Leisey-Bartsch, Tadiso Inc.

I believe that sexual assault is a man’s issue, and I am committed to getting the men in my life to engage with it. Justice TenEyck, PULSE / Amachi Pittsburgh

People with disabilities are abused three times more often than others, and they are less likely to get help and support. Kristy Trautmann, FISA Foundation

I am a survivor and I am thankful for those who actively work to make a difference. Amanda Neatrour, Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program of Robert Morris University

Anyone that has been through any form of abuse or harassment deserves to be believed. Kristine Irwin, Voices of Hope

Speak up in a gentle way and question others’ misconceptions about violence and abuse. Mimi McDonough, Fayette County Community Action Agency Inc.

No matter what community I work with, there is an absence of awareness of the impact physical, mental, verbal and sexual abuse has on communities. It’s my work to bring this awareness to light. John Tokarski, City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety

No child is too young to learn about respect and nonviolence. Mary Kate Healey, Angels’ Place Inc.

Your body, mind and heart are a treasure. Each part of you is worthy of respect and kind treatment. You are worthy of support, and you are not alone. Nichole Schneider, Masters in Social Work Student

Whether you are a friend, classmate, professor or bystander, sexual assault and domestic violence on college campuses is everybody’s responsibility. Maggie Sevilla, University of Pittsburgh

I can model respect for all so the children in my community see what respect looks like. Pam Kilgore, SPHS Care Center

Strength is not based upon the humiliation of others. Maria Kitay, Angels’ Place Inc.

I want to become a resource for preventing the proliferation of dangerous, prevalent and outdated gender roles. Benjamin Congedo, University of Pittsburgh

Our community has stepped up, in an unprecedented way, to stand with victims and prevent these crimes from happening. Southwestern Pennsylvania is committed to ending domestic and sexual violence. We hope you will join us by adding your voice. If you’d like to participate in the VIP Project, please contact hello@southwestpasaysnomore.org. Be sure to check out the Voices in Prevention Project’s Instagram Account.

Photography by Brian Cohen