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A Blog Post: The trauma that comes from reporting sexual assault
It has been shown that women who have experienced sexual assault represent the majority of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases (PTSD) in the U.S (Bartol & Bartol, 2021). Sexual assaults can have psychologically damaging effects on an individual. The lingering effects apart from PTSD include depression, anxiety, and even an increase in the contemplation of suicide. Apart from the act itself, sexual assault survivors that decide to report their case to law enforcement may experience a second victimization called the “second assault” (Rousseau, 2025). The “second assault” may even be more traumatizing to the individual than the act itself.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to talk with a sexual assault survivor, who chose to remain anonymous, on her experience of recovery and reporting. For context, the type of sexual assault this individual endured is classified as date rape, which is a “sexual assault that occurs within the context of a dating relationship (Rousseau, 2025).” Date rape is the most common type of rape, with 80% of all cases being classified under this typology. Oddly enough, date rape cases are generally not reported and the rapists tend to not be prosecuted. That’s why it did not surprise me, unfortunately, when this individual said she did report her case to law enforcement, but wasn’t able to prosecute the defendant.
In trying to get justice for herself, she heavily experienced the “second assault,” and stated that “It was honestly more traumatizing than being raped. If I had the chance to redo it all, I would not have reported it. I would have just kept it to myself.” Victims of sexual assault often self-blame, especially victims of date rape cases. In date-rape cases, victims often feel like they are at fault for what happened. This is because of reasons such as the victim intentionally choosing to go on that date or meet that person, which all does not correlate with them giving sexual consent (Rousseau, 2025). This individual blamed herself for what happened. Even when her friends and family all believe that she wasn’t at fault, she struggled with this feeling for a long time. It was not until she received help from resources such as group through Rape Crisis Center (RCC) that she started to feel that she was not in the wrong. Though the incident happened years ago, she still to this day struggles with this feeling. These resources did help her find healthy ways to cope when these feelings arise and learn how to overcome these thoughts. Self-blaming thoughts are a major factor in the psychological damage that comes with being sexually assaulted (Bartol & Bartol, 2021). She stated “I blamed myself for it, and it would spiral. My thoughts would spiral so much to the point that there was a period of time that not living anymore didn’t seem too bad at all.” This shows how self-blame can exacerbate one’s psychological state.
How sexual assaults are reported differs from how other criminal cases are reported to the police. When choosing to report, the sexual assault survivors would first have to do a medical examination. The purpose of this examination is to establish any DNA evidence that shows that the survivor had been penetrated or harmed. This initial process alone is quite intrusive and may be traumatic to survivors. Next, the victims undergo a preliminary interview with the detective, where it is uninterrupted and the victim tells the detective the gist of what happened or whatever comes to the victim’s mind regarding the incident (Archambault & Lonsway, 2008). After giving the victim some time to rest, eat, and process what has happened, a more detailed interview would be conducted. This is where the detective would ask questions to try to get the needs of interviewing met. The needs include to “establish that the element of a sexual assault are met, evaluate the need for a forensic examination, identify the crime scene and any related evidence, witnesses, and the suspect(s), and establish the identity of the suspect, and contact information if known (Archambault & Lonsway, 2008).”
Interviewing a sexual assault survivor is quite difficult because there are many factors that the detective has to take into account and be mindful of. Detectives would have to be approachable, nonjudgmental, establish rapport, and be able to be mindful when wording questions with the individual. This is because talking about a sexual assault event is stressful and very personal, which may be humiliating to the individual, especially when the questions are asking about quite graphic details of the account to a stranger in uniform. The way detectives word questions can influence the extent to which the individual feels like they should blame themselves for the incident (Archambault & Lonsway, 2008). The interview would have to be conducted in a strategic way. Having multiple people interviewed would help limit the number of times the victim would have to recall the event over and over again, such as the detectives could interview responding police officers and forensic examiners in this process. Detectives should also avoid “handing off” the case to another detective in order to establish rapport (Archambault & Lonsway, 2008). Importantly, the purpose of any interview is never to revisit old information again but to obtain new information about the case in order to limit the amount of times the individual relives the event(s) again.
Sexual assault victims may have differing reactions to trauma, which could influence the way they interview. Their statements may be incomplete, inconsistent, or sometimes even false. This is due to the fact that trauma could make one have perceptual narrowing, loss of cognitive and motor skills, and incident amnesia (Archambault & Lonsway, 2008). Perceptual narrowing is when the victim focuses on one of the five senses and essentially ignores the others. An example of this is focusing on the weapon used in the incident but not knowing any information about the person holding it. The loss of cognitive and motor skills means that the victim may freeze up and not know what to do in that situation. The individual that I interviewed stated that she experienced a loss of motor skills, freezing up during the incident and not being able to stand up and walk out the door, which she says she struggles in being okay with/scolding herself for. Incident amnesia is when the individual doesn’t remember parts of the act or the act itself (Archambault & Lonsway, 2008). During her interview, she stated that she couldn’t remember the details that the detective wanted, because of the traumatic event and being under the influence. The detective encouraged her to try to remember. Her statements were inconsistent because she was struggling to remember. Out of instinct, she made a mistake by resorting to filling-in-the-blank during the interview, which may have held some false statements. This was a mistake because later in the process, the detective stated that she remembered too much information which indicated that she wasn’t under the influence enough to have it been prosecutable rape.
The process of interviewing sexual assault survivors is quite difficult for both the victim and the detective. The detective would have to know how to distinguish between the actual recall event and the effects of trauma. The detective would also have to establish a comfortable environment and a trusting rapport. The sexual assault survivor would have to be able to recall the traumatic events, reliving it and overcoming the effects of trauma at the same time. Simultaneously these parts would work together in order for the detective to piece together the best defense for the survivor.
References:
Archambault, J., & Lonsway, K. A., (2008). Incomplete, Inconsistent, and Untrue Statements made by Victims: Understanding the Causes and Overcoming the Challenges. End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI).
Bartol, C. r., & Bartol, A. M. (2021). Criminal behavior: a psychological approach (12th ed.). Pearson Education/Prentice Hall; Pearson.
Rousseau, D. (2024). Lecture Notes, Module Five. Forensic Behavior Analysis. MET CJ 725.
Strategies for Effective Self-Care in High Stress Professions
Self-care is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being, especially for people working in high-stress professions like criminal justice and corrections. These fields often expose professionals to emotionally taxing situations, high workloads, and unpredictable environments, making it crucial to incorporate intentional self-care strategies. Without proper self-care, chronic stress can lead to burnout, decreased job performance, and even long-term health issues. By prioritizing well-being, criminal justice professionals can improve resilience, enhance job satisfaction, and maintain their effectiveness in the field.
One of the most basis aspects of self-care is prioritizing physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep all contribute to better energy levels and mental clarity. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to promote overall health. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule of seven to nine hours per night helps to regulate mood, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress. Given the demanding nature of criminal justice and corrections work, physical health is especially important in helping professionals manage the physical toll of their jobs.
Setting healthy boundaries is another crucial self-care strategy, particularly for those in high-pressure roles. Criminal justice professionals often deal with heavy workloads, emotionally intense cases, and long hours, which can lead to burnout if boundaries are not established. The American Psychological Association emphasizes the importance of setting clear limits with work and personal life to prevent stress from becoming overwhelming. Learning to say no, taking time off when needed, and creating a separation between work and home life can help maintain balance and protect mental health.
Mindfulness and stress management techniques can also be powerful tools for people working in stressful environments. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and journaling have been shown to lower cortisol levels, and hormones associated with stress. Research by Kabat-Zinn (2019) highlights that even dedicating five to ten minutes a day to mindfulness exercises can improve emotional resilience and mental clarity. For people working in criminal justice or corrections, taking a few minutes to engage in mindfulness before or after a shift can help process difficult experiences and reduce emotional fatigue (Kabat-Zinn, 2019).
Another important self-car strategy is to engage in activities that bring you happiness. Hobbies and leisure activities like reading, painting, hiking, or listening to music, all provide an emotional outlet that help to maintain a work/life balance. Studies suggest that participating in enjoyable activities improves mood, reduces anxiety, and increases overall life satisfaction (Pressman et al., 2009). For criminal justice professionals, finding time for personal interests outside of work is vital in preventing burnout.
Finally, maintaining strong social connections is crucial for self-care, particularly for people working in emotionally demanding professions. Having a support system of friends, family, or even colleagues who understand the challenges of the job can provide emotional support and reduce stress. Social interactions contribute to a sense of belonging and improve mental health. Research by House et al., (1988) found that strong social relationships are directly linked to better physical and emotional well-being. Whether through peer support groups, professional counseling, or simply spending time with loved ones, can help people in high-stress jobs, like jobs in the criminal justice system, cope with the challenges of their work.
Self-care cannot be considered a luxury. It is a necessity for all people but more importantly for people working in demanding jobs. By prioritizing physical well-being, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, engaging in leisure activities, and maintaining strong relationships, professionals in these demanding roles can protect their long-term health.
References
American Psychological Association. (2024, October 22). Coping with stress at work. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress#:~:text=Establish%20boundaries.&text=Although%20people%20have%20different%20preferences,stress%20that%20goes%20with%20it.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, December 20). Adult activity: An overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
House, J. S., Landis, K. R., & Umberson, D. (1988). Social Relationships and health. Science, 241(4865), 540–545. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3399889
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2019). I didn’t have a moment to catch my breath. Mindfulness, 10(3), 586–587. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-1083-0
Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Scheier, M., Baum, A., & Schulz, R. (2009a). Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(7), 725–732. https://doi.org/10.1097/psy.0b013e3181ad7978
Mass Murder and it’s motivational typologies
Mass murder has been a highly sensitive topic for quite some time now. We have heard of many that have occurred over the years, however, the media never gives a full picture of the type of motivational typologies that take place when the suspect commits the crime. We hear about the suspect's past, their childhood, whether they have a mental illness that led them to commit the crime. However we rarely take a look at what is the motivation they carry to commit this horrific crime. In this post, you will learn about different types of motivation. To begin, Mass murder refers to the killing of four or more people, without a cooling off period, typically in a public place ( Rousseau, 2025).
Moving forward, there are many different typologies that correspond with Mass murder, however, what the media portrays, and what the literature/ text state, do not always sync. According to the book, there are five types of motivational typology that a mass murderer might fall under. Those five categories are: Revenge, Power, Loyalty, Profit, and Terror (Bartol & Bartol,2021). Although there are five categories of motivational typology, the most commonly used is revenge. To continue, we often only see media coverage on public mass killings, which often happen in schools, malls, and workplaces. However, this can also happen within the home. According to research, mass killings involving families have the highest number of ratings ( 48% = 218) ( Fox & Levin, 2022). As mentioned above, the most common motivational typology within these killings is conflict/revenge.
To conclude, there are a number of cases that illustrate different types of motivation for conducting the crime, revenge happens to be the number one cause for this sort of killing. That is because there might have been conflict with certain individuals within their circle, or outside their circle, which made them feel isolated. This might have been enough of a motive to want to commit the crime, in hopes that they gain the type of revenge they seek. However, they fail to realize the impact it has on the survivors, or the victims' families
Reference:
Bartol, A.M. & Bartol C.R. (2021). Criminal Behavior: A psychological Approach (12th ed.). Pearson.
Fox.J.A. & Levin.J. (2022). Mass Murder in America:Trends, Characteristics, Explanations,and Policy Response. Homicides Studies. 26(1), 3-117
https://doi-org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.1177/10887679211043803
Rousseau (2025).Module 6: The Psychology of Hate and Fear MET CJ720: Forensic Behavior Analysis. Boston University..
The Complexity of Serial Killers
According to Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach, a serial murderer is defined as an individual who kills two or more victims in separate events. Emma Fridel and James Fox have broken serial killers into three groupings: “those who killed two victims, those who killed three to seven (whom the researchers termed the typical serial killers), and the deadliest killers who had eight or more victims” (Bartol, p. 343). Examples of well-known serial killers in our society include Gary Ridgway, Jack the Ripper, Jeffery Dahmer, and Ted Bundy, but there are often misconceptions in society, perpetuated by the media, that overtake the actuality of serial murderers.
In the podcast, Speaking of Psychology, Dr. Louis Schlesinger, a forensic psychologist, speaks about the complexity of the psychology of serial murderers. When asked the question of what drives someone to become a serial sexual killer, Dr. Schlesinger states that “the best understanding I think we have at this point is that it’s a biopsychosocial phenomenon with, in my view, a heavy emphasis on neurobiology…And in order for somebody to become a serial sexual murder, I believe many things have to go wrong” (Schlesinger, 2023). This emphasizes the notion that it is not just one factor that leads to individuals committing crimes, but instead, many influences play a role. The podcast proceeds and Schlesinger makes some interesting points that further the overall complexity of serial killers. Particularly stating the inaccuracy of killers in the media, “American people want their serial killers to be evil geniuses with IQs of 180 ... Nothing could be further from the truth” (Schlesinger, 2023). This is just one of the misconceptions Schlesinger points out, along with the role that mental illness plays. It is assumed that all serial killers are psychopaths or suffer from other severe mental illnesses, but that is not always the case. Most of the time in society, there tends to be blame placed on mental illness, something that then proves to be detrimental to those who are actively struggling with mental illness. Understanding the illusions that are put out in society about serial killers is necessary to analyze their psychology and comprehend the intricacy of their criminal behavior.
Bartol, Curt R.; Bartol, Anne M.. Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach. (Function). Kindle Edition.
Schlesinger, L. (Guest). (2023). Understanding the mind of a serial killer (No. [episode number]). In K. Mills (Host), Speaking of Psychology. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/serial-killer-mind
The Rehabilitative Power of Crafting: A Look at Knitting Behind Bars
I started knitting in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had exhausted much of the Netflix streaming library and had not much else to do to occupy my time staying at home. One day, a package arrived in the mail; my mom had ordered me a knitting starter kit, consisting of a ball of yarn, needles, and an instructional book. I was hesitant at first, but boredom eventually pushed me to sit down on my couch and learn how to knit. I have knit almost every day since then, becoming like a form of meditation.
Many knitters who I know personally or with whom I have interacted online say that knitting is therapeutic. It’s what Lynn Zwerling, the founder of Knitting Behind Bars, calls “the Zen of knitting”.
Knitting Behind Bars is a crafting program that began in Maryland for incarcerated individuals where they can learn to knit and make items to give back to the community. For Zwerling, Knitting Behind Bars is not only a program that teaches a craft but one that teaches life and job skills like focus and anger management. The program, Zwerling states in an interview with the Washington Post, also provides an opportunity for inmates to socialize in a safe and supportive space, which is something that the prison environment typically lacks.
Knitting Behind Bars is particularly impactful in the ways it promotes healing among participants and helps others in the community who are experiencing trauma. One of the program’s first projects was for participants to knit and sew “comfort dolls” which were donated to Baltimore County’s domestic violence first responders to give to children they might encounter when answering a call. Zwerling states in an interview with NPR that this project had a particularly profound effect on inmates who had experienced domestic violence or abuse in the past. In a way, helping others navigate their trauma allowed inmates to recognize and address their own.
Now, inmates give most of their projects to children in need in the Baltimore area, fostering empathy among inmates for those in their communities. This practice of empathy is particularly important in the correctional setting, where a lack of empathy is often a major contributor to criminal behavior.
Looking at Knitting Behind Bars has made me realize that something as simple as knitting can have a profound impact in the criminal justice field. Knitting and other crafts can be used not only for individualized self-care but also as a tool for rehabilitation and healing. This sets the stage for the development of new, innovative programs in corrections and beyond.
References
Martin, M. (2012, January 9). Knitting Behind Bars, learning focus and patience. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/01/09/144904615/knitting-behind-bars-learning-focus-and-patience
Livingston, Michael II. (2014, April 25). At prison, a class that isn’t necessarily about knitting. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2014/04/24/a814362a-ae0e-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html
Trauma and the Dark Triad
Trauma and the Dark Triad
“A cluster of personality traits that are associated with criminal psychopathy. The cluster includes psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism” (Bartol et al., page 225). Like many other personality disorders, the traits of the ‘dark triad’ can be found rooted within traumatic experiences early in life. Each trait is a stand-alone characteristic describing aspects of the personality, and they work in combination with each other allowing the dark triad traits to further develop. What is the relationship of early life trauma as it relates to the dark triad traits?
John Bowlby, a British psychiatrist, provided the ‘attachment theory’ as part of the relationship between childhood trauma and the development of psychopathic traits. He theorized, through his “’maternal deprivation hypothesis’…that if a child’s attachment to a mother figure is broken, it damages their social, emotional, and intellectual development…Bowlby found that a lack of attachment resulted in what he called ‘affectionless psychopathy’, the inability to empathize with other people or to form meaningful relationships with them’” (psychologytoday.com). A second aspect in relating trauma to psychopathy in the dark triad, is a defense mechanism of becoming emotionally numb. In this, “some children respond to deprivation and trauma by ‘closing in’ on themselves and unconsciously disconnecting themselves from other people and from the world” (psychologytoday.com). Bond or other emotional connections are not made; what would be a protective factor has turned into a risk factor. Emotional underdevelopment and lack of emotional coping skills, contributed to the inability to show empathy, a characteristic of psychopathy.
The second personality trait within the dark triad is narcissism, which is also developed as a trauma response. Narcissism can be developed in early childhood as a response to parental neglect or inconsistent parenting. It is in these inadequate child-parent relationship, that can lead to the child not developing good self-esteem or self-worth. Without having positive and constant interactions with parents, the child is left to seeking validation from others. Part of the development of narcissistic traits is displayed by grandiosity and inflated sense of importance. Due to needing to seek validation, the characteristics observed can range from constant need for admiration, to be the center of attention, and a belief of superiority above all. The over glorification of self is the trauma response for feelings of inadequacy as a child. As narcissists grow through their childhood experiences while learning how to survive, the individual can become very skilled in manipulation, exploitation of others, and develop charisma to achieve what they want, no matter the price.
The third trait in the dark triad rooted in early trauma, is Machiavellianism. This trait is “characterized by focus on one’s own ambition and interests and adopting a utilitarian perspective in interactions with others…are prone to lying for personal gain and engaging in manipulative tactics to achieve success…tend to disregard ethical values” (files.eric.ed.gov). This trait is the culmination of childhood traumas mixed with the need to survive. As this type of behavior is reinforced through the life cycle of achieving positive outcomes, it becomes an effective way for the individual to further protect themselves. This trait, along with psychopathy and narcissism, is founded in a lack of emotional connections and relationships, in response to trauma early in life, without ever developing empathy or care for anyone but themselves.
Early life trauma is experienced differently for every individual; how one copes with this trauma is also different for everyone. With survival of these trauma paramount, individuals turn to themselves to develop the necessary tools to make it out of traumatic situations. While these three distinct personality traits can be recognized in every single person separately, not all use them in devious ways. It is the combination of these three traits working together that become the dark triad.
Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-of-the-darkness/202404/the-roots-of-evil
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1394069.pdf
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2021). Criminal behavior: a psychological approach (12th ed.). Pearson Education/Prentice Hall; Pearson.
Untouchable in Iraq Article – Effects of PTSD and Trauma
The article "Untouchable in Iraq. Ex-Sniper Dies in a Shooting Back Home" shines a light on how much individuals go through when they are deployed overseas. From training to real life experiences in areas someone has never dealt with before, weighs heavy on individuals and mental health sometimes goes unchecked or miss treated. The story of Chris Kyle was one that should of not happen, a war hero and decorated military individual comes home from experiencing the very same things the subject who killed him did, Chris was just trying to help those that needed that help. This situation as well as many others shine a light on the fact that we prepare these individuals for weeks, months on end to prepare for battle, but not for what they are going to witness, or be exposed to, and really not be able to handle it when they come back state side. We see this in other professions as well. It is nice to see many are putting mental health on the forefront of doing better, but I do not think we are nearly where we need to be on this topic and mass prescribing medications to people who need help is not the answer.
I think we need to have better treatment approaches as well as solutions to help these individuals who suffer from mental health that have been in traumatic experiences such as combat and law enforcement work. Providing more training and resources to help individuals who suffer from PTSD, from group therapy, to specialized therapies, but I would like to see less with the over medicating of individuals because the various medications that are out there may or may not treat the condition the person is going through, but also may cause additional health related concerns. We also see a lot of stigma and public perception when it comes to PTSD which makes it challenging for those who may be suffering from these types of conditions and may be afraid to come forward for the help they need because they do not want to be perceived as weak or one of the many other views.
Affording more assistance, and care for individuals suffering from PTSD as well as trauma could help prevent many of the mental health crisis we see today where they become so serve that individuals commit criminal behavior such as in the case of Chris Kyle. It could also help lower the suicide rate among individuals who suffer from these conditions.
Resources:
Fernandez, M., & Schwirtz, M. (2013, February 4). Untouchable in Iraq, Ex-Sniper Dies in a Shooting Back Home. New York Times, A1(L). https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A317393855/AONE?u=mlin_b_bumml&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=83cac05c
Being Reactive is Not Working
It has become almost habitual to see a story about a mass murder or mass shooting in the news every week. So far, in 2025, there have been a total of 48 mass shootings (Mass Shooting Tracker, 2025). As of writing this on February 24, it has been two days since the last one. In our schools, we teach our children to hide and stay quiet. As adults, we have become so traumatized that we jump at the sound of a muffler popping or instinctually running away if we see others doing the same. Every time a new event occurs, the police apologize and say they did their best, and politicians offer their condolences and point their fingers. We create solutions after the problem has happened, but at that point, the damage is done. Instead of causing trauma and creating new victims, we need to encourage proactive solutions instead of putting a band-aid on the problem after somebody has been shot.
There are a few ideas that could be implemented that could prevent mass shootings from occurring. In our society, we are afraid of sharing information if we think it can hurt someone or ourselves. What we can begin to do is encourage people who witness concerning behaviors from people that they know to report it. Often, those who commit mass shootings display four to five concerning behaviors, such as leaking information about what they are going to do or expressing problematic behaviors (Silver, Simons, Craun, 2018). By destigmatizing the idea of going to law enforcement or similar entities to express concerning information, it could prevent more mass shootings from happening. Another idea is better training for law enforcement to identify concerning behaviors. Because of the way the media portrays mass shooters, people have created a profile or typology in their minds as to what a mass shooter looks like. This can cause law enforcement to become tunneled visioned, ignoring other information and behaviors. By improving training for law enforcement, they will be better prepared if there is a situation where there may be a credible threat.
As it stands, gun violence is the number one cause of death for children and teens in America (John Hopkins, 2024). The number of mass shootings has been steadily increasing every year, leading to more and more people dying or becoming victimized (Rockefeller Institute of Government). Current efforts are clearly not working, and by doing nothing, we are telling the families and survivors that their trauma and pain mean nothing. By becoming more proactive in our strategies, we can better anticipate and prevent mass shootings from occurring and thus prevent further generations from experiencing the trauma of living in a society where a mass shooting can happen at any time or place.
Johns Hopkins . (2024, September 12). Guns remain leading cause of death for children and teens. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/guns-remain-leading-cause-of-death-for-children-and-teens
Mass Shooting Tracker. (2025). Mass shooting tracker. https://massshootingtracker.site/
Rockefeller Institute of Government. (2023, September 18). Mass shooting factsheet. https://rockinst.org/gun-violence/mass-shooting-factsheet/
Silver, J., Simons, A., Craun, S. (2018, June). A Study of the Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the United States. FBI.
Book Review: “Know My Name: A Memoir” by Chanel Miller
“My name is Chanel. I am a victim, I have no qualms with this world, only with the idea that it is all that I am.” (Miller, 2019).
In January 2015, Chanel Miller was sexually assaulted behind a dumpster near a fraternity on Stanford University’s campus. Miller woke up in a hospital with no recollection of the event and was given little to no explanation of what had happened. It wasn’t until she came across a news headline stating that a man named Brock Turner had been caught sexually assaulting an unconscious, intoxicated woman. Miller began to piece together that she was the woman in the headline and discovered the details of her own sexual assault at the same time as the rest of the world.
Turner was initially charged with five felony counts: rape of an intoxicated person, rape of an unconscious person, sexual penetration by a foreign object of an unconscious woman, and assault with intent to commit rape (Miller, 2019). Had he been convicted on all counts, he would have faced a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and would have been required to register as a sex offender (Knowles, 2016). However, the five felony counts were reduced to three and Turner was sentenced to six months in county jail, serving only three months before his release.
During the trial, Miller was publicly known as “Emily Doe” to protect her identity. She wrote an impact statement in the sentencing phase of the trial, which was later published on BuzzFeed (with her permission) with her name replaced as “Emily Doe”. The 7,000-word statement immediately went viral and was viewed by fifteen million people within the span of a week (Liu, 2019). Miller’s statement led to changes in California state law resulting in more stringent sexual assault sentences and also contributed to the recall of Judge Aaron Persky from the bench (BBC, 2019).
“Writing is the way I process the world.” (Miller, 2019, p. 315). This poignant memoir explores trauma, healing, and resilience, as Miller reflects on the culture surrounding sexual assault and how the criminal justice system treats individuals who have experienced sexual assault. "If they explained what I was consenting to, it was lost on me. Papers and papers, all different colors, light purple, yellow, tangerine. No one explained why my underwear was gone, why my hands were bleeding, why my hair was dirty, why I was dressed in funny pants, but things seemed to be moving right along, and I figured if I kept signing and nodding, I would come out of this place cleaned up and set right again." (Miller, 2019, p. 9). Although the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) kit is one of the most effective tools for convicting a perpetrator of rape, it can also be one of the most traumatizing experiences for survivors to endure (Rousseau, 2025).
In her memoir, Miller reclaims her identity and gives silenced voices recognition, “The saddest things about these cases, beyond the crimes themselves, are the degrading things the victim begins to believe about her being. My hope is to undo these beliefs. I say her, but whether you are a man, transgender, gender-nonconforming, however you choose to identify and exist in this world, if your life has been touched by sexual violence, I seek to protect you.” (Miller, 2019). I first read this memoir on November 6, 2021, and although I have only read it once, its impact will stay with me forever.
References:
BBC. (2019). Stanford Sexual Assault: Chanel Miller reveals her identity. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49583310
Liu, R. (2019). Know My Name by Chanel Miller review – memoir of a sexual assault. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/sep/25/know-my-name-by-chanel-miller-review
Miller, C. (2019). Know my name: a memoir. [New York], Viking.
Knowles, H. (2016). Brock Turner found guilty on three felony counts. The Stanford Daily. https://stanforddaily.com/2016/03/30/brock-turner-found-guilty-on-three-felony-counts/
Rousseau, D. (2025). Module 5: Special Populations. Online Class. Boston University Metropolitan College. https://alt-5deff46c33361.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/courses/25sprgmetcj725_o1/course/w5/metcj725_ALL_W5.html?one_hash=972FE4B49A4CDD2D8DC867520B1C2BA6&f_hash=DA6451E61222D56A8F5BFA4FED95064B
Breaking the silence: Liza Long’s Journey from Stigma to Advocacy
Breaking the Silence: Liza Long’s Journey from Stigma to Advocacy
On the morning of December 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed twenty children and six adult staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, before taking his own life. Later that day, investigators found Adam Lanza’s first victim, his mother Nancy Lanza, whom he had shot four times prior to leaving for the school.
As the nation processed the tragedy, it came to light that, at different times, Adam had been diagnosed with anxiety, sensoryintegration disorder, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and it was suspected that he had schizophrenia (ABC News, 2014; Breslow, 2013; Engel, 2014). It also became clear that, despite his parents’ multiple attempts to diagnose and treat his condition, they were unable to find the medications and support systems that would be effective.
An Anonymous Blogger
Meanwhile, in Boise, Idaho, a mother of four was going through a diagnosis and treatment ordeal with her 13-year-old son. Two days before the Sandy Hook shooting, her son – let’s call him Michael – had been placed in an acute mental hospital after a violent outburst that included yelling, punching, biting, and threats of suicide. In her anonymous blog, The Anarchist Soccer Mom, she opened up about Michael’s threatening behavior, the emotional toll it had taken on her and her other children, and the impossible choices that lay ahead (Long, 2012).
Titled “I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother,” the post described “years of missed diagnoses, ineffective medications, and costly therapies” (Long, 2015, p. 14), expressing the author’s greatest fear: that one day she would find herself in Nancy Lanza’s shoes. Initially shared on Facebook, the post received praise for its honesty, and soon a friend urged the blogger to publish the piece under her real name. “Until people start putting their names on these stories, they aren’t real,” he explained (Long, 2015, p. 15).
The Price of Speaking Up – and The Price of Silence
The blogger’s name was Liza Long, and her cry for help was heard and shared by millions of people, leaving many to wonder what happened next.
To start, Michael’s estranged father read the post to the boy overthe phone while he was still hospitalized. Then, the man used the essay as evidence to take away Long’s custody of their two younger children until Michael was institutionalized. Thusbegins Long’s book, The Price of Silence: A Mom’s Perspective on Mental Illness, published three years after these events.
The book is written for two primary audiences: those who have a family member with a mental illness and understand itscomplexities and challenges – and those who may not realize how pervasive mental illness is and whose first inclination mightbe to keep it quiet. “I hope you’ll look at that child acting out on the playground or in the classroom with different, more compassionate eyes,” the author explains (Long, 2015, p. 193).
One could argue that a third audience for this book was always Long herself. Written in a reflective, journal-like style, revisiting many events over and over again, the book appears to be a way for Long to process the preceding three years, organize her thoughts, and find strength by connecting with her readers.
Overcoming the Stigma and Searching for Answers
Throughout the book, the stigma of mental illness takes many forms: from self-stigma, which leads parents to blame themselves for their child’s illness, to social stigma, encounteredin stores, churches, and schools. Long (2015) argues that self-stigma is the hardest to overcome, as parents “are more than willing to blame themselves, and society at large is happy to reinforce that message” (p. 15). She realizes that her initial choice to blog anonymously was driven by self-stigma and that facing it and openly discussing mental illness was a necessary step toward finding effective treatment.
In the course of the book, Michael, much like Adam Lanza,cycles through multiple diagnoses: intermittent explosive disorder; oppositional defiant disorder; pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified; Asperger’s syndrome, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Long (2015) observes that this “circuitous journey through the Wonderful World of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders […] is pretty typical for children with mental disorders” (p. 103). She applies all her skills as a scholar and her dedication as a mother to researching the science behind these disorders and the available treatment options. After consulting numerous specialists, she finally arrives at a definitive diagnosis for Michael – juvenile bipolar disorder – and confirms that lithium is effective in controlling it.
The Legacy of “I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother”
Just like the original essay, the book has led to even more unmasking. Following its release, the public learned that Michael’s real name was Eric and that, by then, he was considering his college options (Arnold-Ratliff, 2016). Long’s appearances on television, new publications, and congressional testimony have made her a well-known mental health advocate.
Using her authentic voice – and her real name – Long has helped make the experiences of families dealing with mental illness more relatable and, therefore, more real for millions of people. It is safe to say that Long will never be in Nancy Lanza’s position– and through her advocacy, she has helped many other families avoid feeling that way as well.
References
Arnold-Ratliff, K. (2016, September 18). Liza Long - “I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother” Essay. Oprah.com. https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/liza-long-i-am-adam-lanzas-mother-essay
Long, L. (2012, December 16). “I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother.”HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother-mental-illness-conversation_n_2311009
Long, L. (2015). The Price of Silence: A Mom’s Perspective on Mental Illness. A Plume Book.
Montaldo, C. (2004, July 21). Mass Murderers, Spree and Serial Killers. ThoughtCo; ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/defining-mass-spree-and-serial-killers-973123
Rousseau, D. (2025). Lecture Notes from Module 6: The Psychology of Hate and Fear. In Retrieved from Blackboard. Boston University MET CJ-725.