Hi Survivor,

As we move into November, a month known for reflection and gratitude, I want to take a moment to recognize each of you. Your resilience, dedication, and commitment to justice and healing are the heart of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. This month, as we gather to celebrate and honor survivors, advocates, and allies, we also celebrate the progress we’ve made together toward creating safer communities and supporting those impacted by crime.

November brings a special opportunity to reflect on our shared mission and the strength we find in one another. Our network has grown stronger through every challenge, every victory, and every step toward justice. This month, let’s renew our commitment to lifting each other up and supporting one another’s healing journey. Whether you’re attending one of our end-of-year events, engaging in advocacy, or simply connecting with your local CSSJ family, know that your voice and your story matter.

Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we’re transforming the lives of survivors and working toward lasting safety and justice for all.

When Survivors Speak, Change Happens! 

Jonathon Lewis 

Managing Director 

Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice

This month, the Alliance for Safety and Justice and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice are planning to host our annual policy retreat, which will bring together survivors and organizations from Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

At the heart of these policy retreats is the belief that those who have directly experienced violence and have been impacted by the justice system should be at the center of public safety policymaking. Participants will engage in workshops focused on various aspects of public safety, criminal justice, and victim services. Through large group and breakout session discussions, attendees will work together to identify the specific reforms they want to see implemented in their state. 

Policy ideas based on survivor experiences with the justice system and victim services continue to serve as the foundation for ASJ and CSSJ's annual policy priorities. This process ensures that our advocacy is not only informed by research but also rooted in the real-world experiences of our survivors and the organizations that serve them. 

Stay tuned for more information about the outcomes of this month’s policy retreat. We look forward to sharing more opportunities for you to take action to help advance shared safety policy solutions. 

In the last decade, the Alliance for Safety and Justice and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice have surveyed more than 15,000 victims across the US to learn about their experiences with the justice system and their viewpoints on policy. In our newest study, “Violent Crime Victims' Views on Safety and Justice,” we surveyed violent crime victims across a wide range of demographic backgrounds and learned: 

• Violent crime victims reject long sentences as the solution to crime 
• Violent crime victims strongly prefer crime prevention investments over more spending on arrests and punishment to improve public safety 
• Violent crime victims prefer discretion and rehabilitation over mandatory sentencing schemes like "truth in sentencing." 
• Major hardships accompany violent injury or loss, yet too few victims get help, contributing to a cycle of trauma that harms families, communities -- and public safety. 

These views starkly contrast common assumptions about what victims want and point lawmakers to new approaches. 

On November 13th, we hosted a webinar to discuss the Crime Survivors Speak 2024 survey findings. The webinar included a panel discussion with victims of violent crime, a live Q&A session, and strategies on how you can use the survey to help influence policy in your state. 

Watch the recording here.  

Pearl Wise, a CSSJ Chapter coordinator in York, Pennsylvania. Pearl has been a cornerstone of our advocacy and community engagement in central Pennsylvania and continues to use her voice to bring change and more resources to her community. Pearl is a survivor of crime. She lost her son Chad to homicide in 2018. In 2019, Pearl traveled to California to attend Survivors Speak California. It was an incredible experience for Pearl to be in a room full of hundreds of survivors like her who were healing, supporting each other, and advocating for policy change. Upon Pearl’s return to York, she took on a leadership role with CSSJ to expand our work in York and across the Commonwealth. Pearl continues to exemplify what it means to heal through action, bring people together, and support survivors of crime across the country. 

This year, Pearl was a strong advocate for survivors in Pennsylvania. In June, she led a delegation from her chapter to the PA State Capitol for the Survivors Speak Pennsylvania Advocacy Day to advocate for our legislative priorities. In September, she led a group to go to Washington, D.C., for the first-ever Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington to uplift the importance of our Right To Heal legislative platform. In early October, Pearl participated in the first convening of the PA Office of Gun Violence Prevention to share her story and ensure that this newly established office prioritizes the voices and needs of survivors. 

Pearl continues to be a beacon of hope and a leader who creates space for survivors of crime to heal, share their stories, and advocate for survivors at all levels of government.

Did you know there are free national hotlines and text lines for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide, disasters, and other kinds of crises? Check out these and our other CSSJ member resources, including free counseling through our partner BetterHelp by clicking this link - https://linktr.ee/cssjmsp. 

The Crime Survivors Speak Podcast shares the stories of survivor leaders transforming our nation’s safety and justice systems. Join visionary survivor leader Aswad Thomas as he shares the mic with everyday people impacted by crime that are moving from healing to action and winning real change for communities across the country. If you’re interested in being a guest for Season 4, complete this form - https://forms.gle/y5A9q9gNwUrCwdwT6.

And listen to our most recent episode here!