#ForDaisy

August 14, 2020

Survivor. Advocate. Change maker. These are only a few of the many words that have been used to describe Daisy Coleman. In the week since the world learned of her passing, NCCASA has spent time reflecting on Daisy’s life and the impact she made on the anti-sexual violence movement. Daisy turned her pain into activism and was courageous enough to share her story with the world and other survivors. We join others in experiencing deep sadness by this loss to our community.

Since appearing in the documentary Audrie and Daisy, Daisy, along with other survivors and advocates, co-founded SafeBAE, an organization dedicated to sexual violence prevention to help prevent what happened to them from happening to anyone else. Through SafeBAE, an estimated 5.5 million people have been reached through their campaigns, presentations, legislative work, and more. Her impact will last throughout time, as her dedication to seeking justice while advocating for other survivors is immeasurable.

Daisy made survivors feel like they are not alone, and worked to cultivate a supportive and safe community for fellow survivors. Her work touched the lives of many young activists, survivors, and advocates for the end of sexual violence. In 2018,  NCCASA had the pleasure of  SafeBAE participating in the Young Advocates Institute, YAI, a social justice oriented summer camp for youth. Tracy Wright, NCCASA’s RSP TA Provider and organizer of YAI shared this about the impact of Daisy’s time on YAI:“Daisy and Jada shifted YAI like nobody ever has in regards to sexual assault. Every single kid in Wokekanda did their final presentation on what they learned from her truth...her story.”

Healing is not a straight path.  Healing is a journey that ebbs and flows throughout a survivor's lifetime. Healing does not look the same for everyone. Much of Daisy’s healing came from talking to young people and changing the culture we are in. Those who were close to her have shared that Daisy would want young survivors to know they are heard, matter, are loved, and that the help they need is available.

In the wake of her passing, Daisy would want everyone to come together to help stop sexual violence and help save teen lives. NCCASA will carry on this work in her legacy, and we will never stop advocating for survivors in the mission to end sexual violence. This is our commitment #ForDaisy.

 

*If you are a survivor who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or may be triggered by learning of Daisy’s passing, please know that you are not alone and there are resources to help you.  You can contact the following resources:

National Suicide Prevention Support Line: 1-800-273-8255

North Carolina Rape Crisis Centers

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386