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Becoming an Ally

Becoming an Ally

by Crystal Emerick | Jan 31, 2026 | Brave Step Resources, Loved Ones, Uncategorized

Becoming an Ally Level One Date: April 28, 2026 Time: 7- 8:30 p.m. ET Location: Zoom Register...
How to Support a Survivor of Sexual Violence | Brave Step

How to Support a Survivor of Sexual Violence | Brave Step

by Crystal Emerick | Oct 27, 2025 | Family & Friends, Loved Ones, Uncategorized

What to Know as an Ally or Friend of a Survivor You don’t have to have the right words, just the...
What Parents Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse | Brave Step

What Parents Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse | Brave Step

by Crystal Emerick | Oct 27, 2025 | Loved Ones, Parents & Caregivers, Uncategorized

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know About Sexual Violence You don’t have to be an expert to...
Learn what lurks in the digital dark

Learn what lurks in the digital dark

by Crystal Emerick | Jun 18, 2025 | Community, Good to Know

Shining Light in the Digital Dark In our ever-demanding digital world, threats often hide in the...
New Video for Those Who Support a Survivor

New Video for Those Who Support a Survivor

by Crystal Emerick | Jun 18, 2025 | Brave Step Resources, Loved Ones, Uncategorized

Empowering Wellbeing Through Connection Explore our new Loved Ones video When someone experiences...
Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle

by Crystal Emerick | Jun 17, 2025 | Changemaker, Good to Know, Individual, Loved Ones, Useful Information

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Substance Use & Reconnecting with your Body  This session...
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Recent Posts

  • 2026 Brave Step Walk/Run

    2026 Brave Step Walk/Run

    February 11, 2026
  • Becoming an Ally

    Becoming an Ally

    January 31, 2026
  • Courageous Book Club

    Courageous Book Club

    January 30, 2026
  • Volunteer Day: Crafting Blue Ribbons

    Volunteer Day: Crafting Blue Ribbons

    December 30, 2025
  • Courageous Conversations for Men

    Courageous Conversations for Men

    December 19, 2025

Instagram

Voices of Change From the outside, @darlenelekows Voices of Change

From the outside, @darlenelekowski’s childhood looked picture-perfect - close-knit family, a safe neighborhood, full calendars and big dreams.

But behind that image was a secret no child should ever have to carry.

Beginning at the age of seven, Darlene endured sexual abuse by her two oldest brothers and years of silence enforced by fear and threats. Today, she is breaking that silence, on her own terms, by bravely sharing her story in a forthcoming memoir releasing April 2026.

By choosing to speak, Darlene is reclaiming her voice and creating space for others to feel seen, believed and less alone. Her courage challenges the myths of what abuse “looks like” and reminds us that recovery and truth-telling are powerful forces for change.

This is bravery.
This is truth.
This is a Voice of Change.

Learn more about Darlene and her upcoming memoir: https://darlene-lekowski.com/book/ where you can also sign up for book updates.
Sometimes courage looks like… a goldendoodle sip Sometimes courage looks like… a goldendoodle sipping tea. ☕🐾

We’re so grateful to our community partner, @jeansapothecare and @overcashtherapy for creating the sweetest little way to support survivors.

Introducing the Dog + Tea Time “Ry Dog” Vinyl Sticker — inspired by Ryleigh the Therapy Dog and beautifully illustrated by Brooke Ballentine. Picture this: a cozy goldendoodle, purple mug with daisies in paw, fully embodying calm and comfort.

And here’s the best part 💙
$1 from every $4 sticker sold is donated to Brave Step.

It may seem small — but small, steady acts of care are how community support grows. Every sticker helps fuel survivor education, support programs and awareness efforts like Color It Blue.

Recovery spaces are built in big moments … and in soft ones, too.

If you love dogs, tea or simply supporting a cause that centers dignity and empowerment, this one’s for you. Link to purchase is in bio.

Thank you to Jean’s Apothecare for turning creativity into compassion.

#EverydayCourage #ColorItBlue #CommunityPartner #SupportSurvivors
Words matter. Courage grows when our responses are Words matter. Courage grows when our responses are gentle, curious and supportive.

#Wordsmatter #respondwithkindness #everydaycourage
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Brave Step is grateful for your interest in supporting this work and welcome gifts of any size. A dollar goes a long way in strengthening men and women impacted by sexual violence.

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At Brave Step, we work to build a strong, supportive community by helping adults impacted by sexual violence claim the life they deserve; fostering brave public conversations about sexual violence; and cultivating a community of courageous changemakers to take action and help prevent future sexual violence.

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