The Sound of Surviving: The Medical Impact of Trauma from a Survivor's Perspective

About

This webinar explores how sexual trauma can affect the body long after the abuse has occurred, with physical symptoms sometimes emerging years later and outside a survivor’s awareness. Through Melanie’s personal story of surviving sexual abuse, participants will gain insight into the connection between trauma and chronic pelvic pain, as well as the treatment and healing process that led to her recovery. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the long-term physiological effects of trauma and practical strategies for identifying potential trauma-related symptoms in children and adults. The session will also highlight questions professionals can use to support early identification and intervention. 

Presenter

Melanie Barton is a survivor of child sexual abuse and sexual assault who uses her lived experience to bring hope, clarity, and compassion to others. For more than a decade, she has worked with victims of crime, serving in roles including domestic violence crisis advocate, court-based victim advocate, Family Advocate, and Forensic Interviewer at a Child Advocacy Center. A nationally recognized speaker and survivor advocate, Melanie has presented at local and national conferences since 2019 and collaborated with organizations including SHIELD Task Force, Zero Abuse Project, and the National Children’s Alliance SHINE Campaign. She currently serves on SHIELD’s board and as a Subject Matter Expert contractor with Zero Abuse Project’s SurvivorSpace Initiative. Melanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Keene State College and is committed to advancing survivor-informed education, healing, and prevention.

Course Materials

The webinar recording can be accessed at the top of the page. Additional materials are linked below.

Presentation Slides