The Student Survivors Group is a University of Wyoming Club that offers a safe environment for sexual violence survivors to share their stories or simply be joined by people who have experienced similar things.
When asked why she started this group, Jenna Hoobler, president and founder of the Student Survivor Group, said “I decided to start this group because I saw that there was a gap in after-care for survivors of sexual violence. As a survivor myself, I was looking for community, and I figured what better way to get that than to start a student organization, which is free to join. Anyone can come and get this resource.” Hoobler had trouble finding a place to gain support from her experiences and decided to offer that support to other students.
Roni Baird, vice president, said “I joined last year. I was sexually assaulted as a minor, so in high school, especially where I am from, it’s not something you are supposed to talk about. When I got to college I wanted to start processing it, and I thought a group of other people who have gone through a similar thing would be very beneficial.” This group was made to act as a safe space for survivors of all kinds of sexual violence, and even allies who want to show their support. This helps validate people’s experiences and offers a place to talk about it.
Hoobler said “We try to meet two times a month. Right now our meetings just entail getting together and connecting. There are no guidelines or rules. We just want to come together and connect with people. It’s just coffee and community. That’s all we are trying to do.” With such a sensitive subject matter, The Student Survivors Group doesn’t want to push anyone to talk about things they are not yet comfortable with. Instead, they want to foster a community, where someone could feel connected to other survivors, not only through shared trauma but through friendship.
Emma McAmis, treasurer of the Student Survivors Group, said “We like to refer to each other as a survivor rather than victim because we did survive. It’s more empowering.” All members can choose between a victim or a survivor, or sometimes both, depending on what makes them feel the most comfortable.
The Student Survivors Group is a place where survivors of all sexual violence can find community. They accept anyone, regardless of gender or the experience they go through. This group is fighting against the “rape culture” in universities, and creating an active group for survivors to find comfort.
