Heal Her NYC

Heal Her is a global action by survivors who are coming together to break the silence on violence. Meeting in circles around the world, we create rituals dedicated to storytelling, consciousness-raising, empathetic listening, and collective healing.

2017 shifted the narrative on sexual violence. As we enter 2018, join us in holding a space where survivors can speak for themselves and commit to the mutual journey of healing. Heal Her uses the ancient concept of the talking circle as a platform for participants to share survival stories, coping strategies, and experiences related to sexual and gender-based violence.

3:00pm - Doors Open
Incense Offering (with artwork by PJ Superior)

3:10
Opening Statement (Lena Chen)

3:20
Reading (Courtney Frances Fallon)

3:25
Transformational Breath Practice (Vanessa Termini)

3:40
Candle Lighting & Ground Rules

3:50
Flower Ceremony & Story Sharing

4:40
Healing Visualization (Katrina Michelle of The Curious Spirit)

4:55pm
Closing Statement (Lena Chen)

* All genders and children are welcome * Please bring: something to sit on (blanket or cushion) and a flower or offering for the ceremony * Each attendee will be given a healing charm to take home with them. *

Heal Her launches in 2018 with events in Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Boston, San Francisco, London, Paris, Baltimore, and Utrecht. Collected stories and contributions will be turned into an interactive installation and website. Heal Her is a collaboration between Lena Chen, Annique Delphine, organizers, community groups, activists, and survivors worldwide.

Those who speak about harassment and assault are often shamed, disbelieved, or silenced. As awareness increases through campaigns such as #MeToo, it is crucial to provide opportunities for closure beyond the criminal justice system (which often retraumatizes or fails survivors). Known as talking circles, healing circles, or moon circles, the ritual of meeting in circles is rooted in indigenous practices that many communities still engage in today. By coming together through storytelling, music, dance, and ritual, circles promote group cohesion, facilitate interpersonal communication, and provide spiritual guidance. To bring Heal Her to your community, email healherproject@gmail.com.

The project has been made possible with funding from DAZA Filmes, a women-led production company founded in 2010 by Leandra Leal, Carol Benjamin, and Rita Toledo in Brazil. Their feature-length documentary As Mil Mulheres / A Thousand Women will show the behind-the-scenes development of Heal Her.

(Cover image by Annique Delphine)