Holding Hands in Court: 
A Journey Through Trauma and Healing from the Perspective of a Victim Advocate

In 2004, I stepped into a world few truly see, a world where the echoes of violence reverberated through courtrooms and lives. I began working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, a role that would forever alter my perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

My task was stark and visceral: to document the physical scars of abuse. I took photographs of injuries, tangible evidence of the pain inflicted, for use in protective order hearings. Each photo told a silent story, a testament to the strength it took to survive. But my role wasn't just about capturing images. It was about offering a human connection in a system that often felt cold and impersonal.

I held the hands of countless brave survivors as they faced their abusers across the courtroom aisle. The tension was palpable, a suffocating mix of fear and fragile hope. We fought for protection, for a chance at safety, but the system wasn't always just. Some victories were hard-won, a sigh of relief mixed with the bittersweet knowledge that others weren't as fortunate. Too often, I witnessed the crushing weight of fear as survivors left the courtroom, their futures uncertain.

The reality of the work was stark. Threats of violence became a constant hum in the background. Soon, a sheriff's deputy became a necessary escort to my car after court, a tangible reminder of the danger we faced. It was a surreal normalization of fear, a constant awareness that the work we did carried real risk.

Though those years are behind me, the impact remains indelible. That job was the crucible in which my understanding of trauma and healing was forged. It was a profound education in human resilience, a front-row seat to witnessing individuals reclaim their lives from the depths of despair. It instilled in me a deep sense of purpose, gratitude, and humility.

Now, I navigate the complex landscape of advocate, therapist, and survivor. It's a delicate dance, balancing my professional role with the deeply personal experience of having walked a similar path. I value my privacy, and I will never share the specifics of my own journey. But I do want you to know this: I understand. I know what the weight of trauma feels like, the way it distorts reality and leaves lasting scars. And I know enough to never presume I fully understand your pain.

If you're seeking a therapist who has witnessed the spectrum of human suffering, who will offer unwavering support and non-judgmental understanding, you've found a safe space. I've seen it all, and I'm here to walk alongside you on your path to healing