#hEALMETOO Podcast HOME > S3 E2: Sherri Papamihalis, Maureen Curtis & Sherina Davis of safe horizon

#HealMeToo Podcast S3 E2:

A Safe Horizon for Survivors Throughout 2020

Learn about the incredible work of NYC’s Safe Horizon, the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. Maureen Curtis, VP of Criminal Justice & Court Programs and Sherri Papamihalis, Clinical Director at Safe Horizon’s Counseling Center, help kick off the #HealMeToo #AtHome series with an update on the spike in domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse experienced through the shutdown, the sudden recession, and the toll of racial trauma coming up in response to increasing White Supremacist violence, unrelenting police brutality, and the uprising in defense of Black Lives.

Sherri and Maureen also shared ways Safe Horizon has adjusted its therapeutic and advocacy to address survivors’ changing needs during this crisis, and how virtual services may actually serve to strengthen their offerings, even after they can resume in-person services.

The episode is followed by a very special Podcast Extra with Maureen, Sherri and, Sherina Davis, professional trainer, ontological coach and educator with Safe Horizon. Sherina led us in a short guided meditation to explore the grounding comfort of being quiet and simply present with our bodies, and with deep and gentle breaths.

Tune in throughout the summer for new #HealMeToo #AtHome episodes on Apple and all the usual podcast platforms as well as our new YouTube channel as we continue Season 3: #HealMeToo At-Home—insights, art and activism to meet the needs of now.

Supportive Resource links:

• Safe Horizon 24-hour hotline (llámenos para ayudarle) 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Receive personalized, non-judgmental support. They can talk to you about your safety, provide information about resources in your community, and connect you to our programs and services.

  Survivors of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault and Incest, and other Crime Victims can receive one-on-one support in any language including:

  • Crisis counseling

  • Safety planning

  • Assistance with finding Domestic Violence Shelters

  • Information about resources

• Safe Horizon SAFE CHAT serves all crime victims and survivors. Client advocates are now available by chat to offer information, advocacy and support to people who have been impacted by violence, crime, and abuse. Please note: The chat button will only be visible during SafeChat hours of operation: currently Mon–Fri 9am–6pm.

The #HealMeToo Podcast is hosted and edited by Hope Singsen, the artist, creativity researcher and survivor-activist who founded the #HealMeToo Festival and Podcast in NYC in the Spring of 2019. 

Music Credits:
S3 E2 Lead vocal: Jovan Martinez, sampling "It's a Love Thing" by The Whispers, in a Choral Improvisation recorded live at a #HealMeToo Festival & Podcast event, led by: Katie Down, Bonita Oliver, Jessica Lurie & Vanessa Marie

S3 Xtra 3: Opening & closing music: "Love Is Rising" written by Vanessa Marie Milanesi & Helga Kaefer, performed by Vanessa Marie (@vanessamariemusic)

Guest Bios

Sherri Papamihalis, LCSW-R is a Clinical Director at Safe Horizon’s Counseling Center and has been a Social Worker since 1986. She has provided counseling and advocacy to sexual abuse and rape survivors for more than 20 years. She continues to provide trauma-focused treatment to survivors of crime and also provides clinical supervision in our Counselling Center since 2008.

Maureen Curtis, VP of Criminal Justice & Court Programs, is responsible for developing and overseeing Safe Horizon’s Criminal Justice Programs with a staff of more than 150 in 40 locations city-wide and a budget of ten million dollars. She has worked for more than 30 years in the field of victimization, assisting survivors of domestic violence and advocating for victims’ rights within the criminal justice and housing systems. Her work with senior level staff in the NYPD and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has led to changes in policies that impact victims citywide. Maureen has designed and provided training for law enforcement and community members on the topics of victim safety, offender accountability, housing options, and the criminal justice response to domestic violence. Maureen also helped victims of the September 11th attacks by providing trauma-informed, supportive services and help with navigating various government systems. She participates in various committees and sits on the Monroe College Criminal Justice Advisory Board. Maureen is a licensed social worker and holds a Master’s in Public Health.

Sherina Davis is a professional trainer, ontological coach and educator with extensive knowledge of both didactic and interactive instruction techniques. Her education and professional background in African Studies and Cultural Studies allows for the expansion of anti-racism teachings at Safe Horizon, and allows her to bring a variety of research and custom-based cultural teachings to her workshops. Davis has a long professional history of advancing social justice causes, focusing on civil rights, community service, self-care, mindfulness and conflict resolution. Davis's vast skills and experiences allow her to train practitioners to move beyond basic engagement, assessment, and management skills to become advanced professionals in the field.