As this genuinely challenging year draws to a close, and we spend time planning for 2026 and beyond, we have been thinking both about what we want to change, and what we are grateful for right now. As an organization that serves (and is staffed by) survivors, one thing we are always grateful for is the privilege of hearing firsthand about the things survivors are thankful for, and this month we thought we would share some of our insights into what survivors of sexual harm teach us about what they need so that they can be in a place of real thanksgiving.
People who provide support and compassion
Most importantly, survivors are grateful to people that believe and support them. Too often, survivors are subjected to unfair disbelief, rooted in flawed assumptions about sexual violence, and when that happens, survivors experience added layers of harm that complicate and magnify the injuries done by intimate violation. When, however, close friends or family members or even acquaintances or colleagues, affirm survivors by creating safe space for them to express their feelings, receive validation about what happened to them, and hear that they are not alone, survivor bravery is rewarded and nurtured. At CAASE, we are constantly hearing survivors express deep gratitude for the people who support them, both in their first moments of disclosure, and also long-term as they craft their paths towards healing. Being told “I believe you”, “what happened was not your fault”, or “I’m here to support you” goes a long way.
Resources that combat isolation
Sexual harm frequently leads people to feel intensely alone and isolated. Because of this, we often hear survivors expressing profound gratitude for resources that allow them to process their experiences in community, or to engage in creative expression with others who care about and understand the complex realities involved in sexual harm. Resources like those offered by the Center for Story & Witness and A Long Walk Home are just two local examples of what we hear survivors saying thanks for. At CAASE, our Community Engagement team partners with Surviving the Mic to create monthly opportunities for creative expression and community, while our newly launched Survivor Voices blog is yet another effort by us to create more of what we hear survivors want and need.
Ultimately, these resources, whatever shape they take, help survivors feel less isolated, and all of them are worth being grateful for.
Organizations that provide help
We and our community of partners often hear that survivors are grateful for the organizations that exist to support survivors and provide help. We already know about the power of individual support to survivors and how crucial that is. Organizations that support survivors provide meaningful change in a different, systemic way.
Every survivor is different, of course, and the help they’re looking for is always unique. Thankfully, especially in Chicago, there are many organizations that provide niche services related to sexual harm, as well as ones that have particular expertise in serving people from specific communities, or whose primary language is not English. CAASE is grateful to be able to make referrals to, or to partner with, all the many groups that help serve survivors, whether they are looking for resources and help to come to them in a particular language, or from a faith-based perspective, or for any other specific perspective, whether they need assistance with housing or shelter, health services such as abortion care, legal advice, or LGBTQ+-specific services. There are so many organizations in Chicago and across our country with expertise in sexual harm, and we know that survivors are particularly grateful when they are connected with the organization that is the right fit for them. You can view our resources for survivors page to learn more about our partner organizations doing this work. Survivors are grateful for organizations that support them and the diversity of their missions and programs.
Options about healing and justice
Survivors are grateful for options! It’s important that survivors are given opportunities to exercise their own autonomy after surviving sexual harm. Deciding what to do in the aftermath of sexual harm is different for everyone and may take time to decide on. Going to the ER or going to the police might be an option for some. For some, neither of these options feels right or safe for a wide variety of reasons, which are completely valid. Everyone deserves options that feel safe, comfortable, and helpful to them.
Kaethe Morris Hoffer, our executive director, recently spoke to Vera Institute of Justice about why survivors are often reluctant to engage with the criminal justice system. Some survivors find a restorative justice option to be the most beneficial to them. Healing and justice are never a one-size-fits-all situation, which is why options are crucial. What we do know for certain is that every survivor is the expert on themselves, their experiences, and their lives. Whatever option feels best for them is best for them.
Survivors are thankful for these things that help them in the aftermath of sexual harm. From loved ones, to resources, to organizations, to unique options that make them comfortable, there’s a lot that we can be doing to support the survivors in our lives, as well as survivors at large. To better support survivors, we can commit to supporting these things that help them, too. While it’s important to remember that every individual and their experiences are different, we do know that coming from a place of belief, support, patience, and understanding is a good place to start in uplifting survivors.
This piece was published on November 10, 2025. It was authored by Lizzy Springer and edited by Kaethe Morris Hoffer. Learn more about our staff here.
