Speakers at TIME Impact Dinner Discuss Empowering and Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
Donna Ferrato, Tommi Vincent, Troy Vincent, and Ashley Judd on what it takes to support survivors—and why doing so is as important than ever.
On Thursday, TIME held an Impact Dinner in Chicago, featuring four individuals working to support survivors of domestic violence. The speakers included Donna Ferrato, a photojournalist and activist; Tommi Vincent and her husband Troy Vincent, both advocates; and Ashley Judd, a humanitarian and activist.
Ferrato, whose mother was a survivor and inspiration, honored her by pledging allegiance to survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. She shared a story about a woman named Elisabeth Lindberg, whose life Ferrato documented in her iconic photograph "Behind Closed Doors." Lindberg, now empowered and on top of the world, allowed Ferrato to be with her during her darkest moments, becoming a symbol of courage and love.
Tommi and Troy Vincent, both survivors, began their remarks by sharing their personal experiences and commitment to advocate for victims and survivors. They emphasized the importance of breaking the silence and building a new house for survivors—a place centered around their voices and experiences, where they can heal and feel safe.
Ashley Judd, a survivor of sexual violence and abuse, urged anyone who witnesses abuse to speak up and become an upstander. She emphasized that there's no such thing as a non-complicit bystander, as everyone has a role in supporting survivors by breaking their own denial and confronting male entitlement. She urged listeners to heal the village, themselves, and hold men accountable for their actions.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
