There are many local, statewide, and national resources available to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. To learn more about resources that might be helpful to you, explore these Vermont Resources and these National Resources.

Did you know…

• Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.
• It’s estimated that more than 75% of sexual assaults in the U.S. go unreported to police.

If you want to learn more about topics like trauma, family systems, relationships, stalking, sexual violence and more, staff at Clarina and the VT Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence recommend these books:

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls (Memoir) — The book looks at the author’s deeply dysfunctional family, examining alcoholism, homelessness, resilience, and love, among other topics; this is a favorite of Sara’s, at the Vermont Network.

“Fighting Words” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Fiction/Young Adult) — Cassie, Becky’s awesome teenage daughter, recommends this “candid and fierce” novel about sisterhood and stigma around child sexual abuse. Cassie said: “This book shows the importance of relationship when overcoming trauma and finding your voice. Some may find this story relatable, while others may learn about hardship they have never imagined.”

“Know My Name” by Chanel Miller (Memoir) — “I listened to the audiobook, with Chanel Miller as the narrator. This deeply personal story paints a vivid picture of the devastating trauma survivors endure, beyond the assault itself. I can only hope that this book is a call to action to address the institutional betrayal in our universities, a criminal justice system that re-traumatizes survivors, and the rape culture that is pervasive in this country.” -Becky, executive director

“The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” by Bruce D. Perry (Nonfiction) — Youth advocate Ally recommends this book about developmental psychology and how trauma affects children, told through a psychologists’s case histories and his own analysis and strategies for rehabilitation.

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk (Nonfiction) — “I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s about the complex connection between trauma and our bodies. It’s full of really insightful information, studies, and stories, and exercises for healing trauma, and it’s incredibly helpful without being too overwhelming of a read.” -Aimee, shelter advocate

“Unslut: A Diary and a Memoir” by Emily Lindin (Nonfiction/Memoir) — Becky also recommends this striking memoir, which contrasts the author’s present-day reflection with entries from their diary as a teenager: “As someone who struggled through my own teen years, and now as a mom of a teenage daughter, this is a necessary, but painful, read. It saddens and angers me to think that the ‘slut shaming’ and ‘boys will be boys’ mentality of the 1990s continues today. We must do better. We need to create a culture of consent, emotional well-being, healthy relationships, confidence, and safety.” -Becky, executive director

“Things We Didn’t Talk About When I Was a Girl” by Jeannie Vanasco (Memoir) — “This was a non-typical sexual assault narrative that deals with the more complex violations when it’s a friend while also being a manifesto around the all-too-common experiences of sexual violence faced by too many. It includes dialogue with the person who raped her where they discuss what happens. It is not a book that has it all figured out, it is messy emotionally and all over the place as she tries to figure it out.” -Lizzy, VT Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens (Fiction) — Ally, our youth advocate, recommends this coming-of-age novel for adults and older teens.

“I Have the Right To” by Chessy Prout (Nonfiction) — “Chessy’s activism after her experience of high school sexual assault is an inspiration. But I also thought the realness of how harrowing the court process can be on a kid and their family was powerful.” -Lizzy, VT Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson” (Fiction/Young Adult) — Youth advocate, Ally, and outreach coordinator, Avalon, both recommend this novel about a high school freshman who is raped at a school party and is unable to verbalize what happened to her, nearly stopping talking altogether. She eventually finds art as a way to slowly express herself and acknowledge what happened, heal, and recreate her identity. “I really resonated with this book and the main character when I read it in high school, especially understanding her feelings of fear around talking about hard, painful things. I felt seen reading this book. It’s very accessible and real and the movie is great too!” -Avalon, outreach coordinator

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky (Fiction/Young Adult) — “I loved this book and the movie version when I was maybe 15 or 16. It features a crew of somewhat misfit teens and it celebrates their weirdness! The book also addresses topics like alcohol and drug use, sex, abuse, suicide and mental health among teens which can be heavy topics but are important to address.” -Avalon, outreach coordinator

“Three Little Words” by Ashley Rhodes-Courter (Memoir) — “This was a book full of ups and downs. Her family story is hard and the abuse both by family and foster families is heartbreaking. The author emerges as a powerful voice for children who are in the system.” -Lizzy, VT Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence