Support

(Pamphlet, 2nd Second Edition, Second ed.)

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Description

In a time when sexual assault and abuse are an increasing problem; even in so-called radical and punk communities, and when most women have been sexually abused in one way or another, Cindy Crabb (Doris zine) brings us a document showing ways to prevent sexual violence and support survivors of sexual abuse. The zine helps to define consent, some letters that Cindy has received, listening, talking about sex, power dynamics, comics by Fly, and much more! A crucial resource that reads much like a regular issue of Doris.

Reviews

"'How do you define consent Have you ever talked about consent with your partner(s) or friends Do you know people, or have you ever been with people who define consent differently than you do' Thus begins one of the best zines I have ever read on the subject of healing from sexual abuse. This zine is specifically geared towards friends, lovers and allies of survivors, and is written in an accessible, loving, realistic way, including writing and comics by a dozen or so contributors who are healing from or supporting others with abuse histories (many have experienced both). Their words are painful, but also comforting for those of us who have struggled in this realm - the message is not tragic, it is one of hope and community and, well, support. Topics include: consent, boundaries, triggers, dissociation, power dynamics, survivor guilt, recovering from trauma, flashbacks, staying present, confronting rapists, denial, panic attacks, and more. Being in the middle of these experiences can feel out of control and indefinable, making it impossible to communicate with a partner, especially if they are taking it personally. So having these words to consult and share could really make a difference. The advice is straight-forward and specific, while still relying on your intuitive and empathic powers, which makes the healing journey feel more like an adventure and less like torture, no matter how painful it is. "It's okay for us to have to work hard at what other people take for granted. The goal is not to return to some arbitrary centerpoint of normalcy from which we were robbed as children. We are not deviants. The goal is to heal, to be on a continuum of healing." --Chris Somerville, "Safe Sex for Survivors"
"Cindy of Doris zine compiled this zine full of helpful stories and advice for how to support people who have been sexually abused. This is a thick resource, reprinted from the original sources, so it's got a zine-y cut-and-paste look to it with a new cover drawn by Cristy Road. There is a wide variety of information in here, ranging from personal narratives and comix to advice on safe sex for survivors and how to give emotional support. Some contributors are anonymous, while others are credited on the final page where additional resources are also listed. Overall, this is a unique DIY resource that will retain its value for many years to come." --Sean Stewart, "New Pages"
"While we're all aware that most sexual abuse happens to girls at the hands of men, this zine also includes a lot of writing from the perspective of male survivors, and several stories of men being pressured into sex by women, which I've rarely heard talked about. Also, this zine manages to avoid demonizing abusers while holding everyone accountable for recognizing power dynamics and honoring other people's boundaries. In one piece, the editor writes about the fucked up act of initiating sex with a sleeping person, and admits to having done this herself: 'Do they think about our abuse histories Or the fact that we can't say 'no' when we're asleep Do they understand our complex defense systems and how vulnerable and terrified we might feel waking up to this assault ... The truth is, I used to crawl in people's beds too. I thought of course all guys wanted it. I never considered the fact that I might be capable of assault. But of course, I am. A lot of us are.' Whether or not you think you need it, whether or not you're a survivor, or dating a survivor, or even having sex, you would probably benefit from reading this zine. And the people you choose to be intimate with will probably thank you for making their safety a priority." --Nomy Lamm, "Feminist Review"

Author Bio

Cindy Crabb author of the autobiographical feminist zine, Doris. She lives in Athens, Ohio.