Beyond Silence Weekend
November 7–8, 2026 | Winston-Salem, NC
We believe you. We hear you. You belong.
Healing doesn't have to happen in isolation.
For many survivors of sexual violence, finding a place where they feel understood, believed, and supported can be difficult. Shame, silence, fear, and isolation can make connection feel out of reach.
Beyond Silence is a community initiative from Phoenix Rising Therapy Services dedicated to creating welcoming, survivor-centered spaces for connection, belonging, and support.
On November 7–8, we're hosting our inaugural Beyond Silence Weekend, bringing together survivors, supporters, advocates, and community members for a weekend of meaningful connection and conversation.
This weekend isn't about asking survivors to share their stories. It's about creating spaces where people can show up exactly as they are, connect with others, and help us imagine what stronger community support could look like.
There is no expectation to disclose your experiences, share personal details, or participate in any conversation that doesn't feel right for you.
You belong here.
Weekend Schedule
Saturday, November 7
10:00–11:30 AM | We Believe You: Survivor Circle
For adult survivors of sexual violence
A welcoming gathering for adults who have experienced sexual violence, regardless of when their experiences occurred.
Survivor Circle offers opportunities to connect with others, feel less alone, and experience a community grounded in respect, understanding, and support.
12:30–2:00 PM | We Believe You: Campus Voices
For current college students and recent graduates who are survivors of sexual violence
College and early adulthood can bring unique challenges for survivors, including navigating relationships, academic pressures, independence, and access to support.
Campus Voices creates a dedicated space for students and recent graduates to connect with others who may understand these experiences.
3:00–4:30 PM | Belonging
For adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest
Belonging is our existing monthly community gathering for adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse or incest.
This gathering provides an opportunity for connection, understanding, and community with others who recognize the complexities of childhood trauma.
Sunday, November 8
10:00–11:30 AM | Bearing Witness
For partners, family members, friends, and loved ones supporting survivors
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence can bring its own questions, emotions, and challenges.
Bearing Witness offers a space for supporters to connect, learn, and explore ways to provide compassionate, survivor-centered support while caring for themselves.
12:30–2:00 PM | Community Open House
Open to survivors, supporters, clinicians, advocates, and community members
Come by, say hello, share your ideas or wishes for future programs, and simply enjoy being part of the community!
Our Community Open House is intentionally informal. There is no structured agenda, no expectation to share anything personal, and no pressure to participate in a group.
Whether you're curious about Beyond Silence, interested in collaborating, or simply want to connect with others who care about building a more supportive community, we'd love to welcome you.
What to Expect
Beyond Silence Weekend is designed to be welcoming, informal, and centered on the needs and choices of participants.
Come as you are. You don't need to prepare anything or know what to say.
Sharing is always optional. You are never expected to disclose personal experiences or trauma histories.
Connection matters. Our gatherings focus on belonging, mutual support, and community rather than clinical trauma processing.
Your voice matters. We welcome ideas about what programs, resources, and support our community needs.
Refreshments will be available. We'll have coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and light snacks.
Our gatherings are community-support opportunities, not group psychotherapy or substitutes for individualized mental health treatment.
Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Join Us for Beyond Silence Weekend
Whether you're interested in attending a gathering, visiting the Community Open House, or learning more about our programming, we'd love to hear from you.
[Register for Beyond Silence Weekend]
Help Shape What Comes Next
Beyond Silence Weekend is just the beginning.
We're using this inaugural weekend as an opportunity to listen to survivors, supporters, and community members about what meaningful, accessible support looks like.
What kinds of spaces are missing? What resources would make a difference? How can we build connections that extend beyond a single event?
We're also interested in collaborating with therapists, universities, advocacy organizations, and other community partners to develop future gatherings, educational opportunities, and survivor-centered programming.
If you have ideas, want to collaborate, or would like to help us grow this initiative, we'd love to connect.
[Interested in Collaborating? Contact Us]
A Place to Belong
There is no right way to be a survivor.
There is no timeline for healing.
And there is no requirement to share your story to deserve support.
At Beyond Silence, we believe connection and belonging should be available without pressure, judgment, or expectation.
We believe you. We hear you. You belong.
Beyond Silence is a community initiative of Phoenix Rising Therapy Services in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.