In this episode, Sabrina and Mary break down what it means to be a Helper when working with survivors of domestic violence, rather than a Fixer. Oftentimes our society’s go-to is to want to fix a situation for someone (offering advice, giving ‘cold’ referrals, etc.) and while it might feel easier, we’re curious if it’s out of comfort? Listen along as we go over the principles of working with survivors and how it can be more impactful by building trust, meeting them where they’re at, listening to them, and overall providing emotional support to someone who’s experienced abuse in their relationship(s).

Mary Martinez (she/her) is a queer, Mexican-American who is not fluent in Spanish :), and who comes from the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the soon-to-be Co-Director of WOMAN, Inc., who started at the organization as a support line volunteer back in February 2008. For the most part she’s done all things support line-related from covering shifts, to helping recruit and train new volunteers, to managing the program, to providing emotional support to the advocates. She also represents WOMAN, Inc. in the community, works one-on-one with survivors, and continues to do the deep work alongside the WOMAN, Inc. team of upholding their value of centering Black, Indigenous, and other people of color while also holding the organization and one another accountable in abolishing white supremacy and anti-Blackness. During her free time you can find Mary attempting to be best friends with all the feathery, furry, slimy, slithery friends. She also loves a good meme.

Sabrina (she/her) started out as a volunteer with W.O.M.A.N. Inc in Summer 2016. Prior to becoming a part of staff, she worked in the beauty industry, but was feeling unfulfilled and unhappy with where she was at career-wise. When a position opened up at W.O.M.A.N. Inc., she saw this as a sign to make some life changes and do something completely different. Sabrina knew her passion was in helping people and wanted to empower and center survivors. She joined staff as the Support Line Program Assistant and eventually grew into the position of Support Line Manager.