"We wanted, WE NEEDED, a place to speak out,
to safely DISCLOSE and to be understood."
Salons
Salons were where DISCLOSE started - in the dialogue between folks who have experienced assault - and are, in many ways, at the heart of our collective. In the summer of 2013, members of DISCLOSE joined together and assessed a need for a safe, supported place to speak out about our assaults, specifically surrounded by others who have had similar experiences. Often misunderstood by those who have the best of intentions, or discriminated against and disbelieved by those who need education, many of us had remained in silence for years; many for our entire lives. We wanted, WE NEEDED, a place to speak out, to safely DISCLOSE and to be understood. In July of 2013, we held our first Salon in Oakland, creating this much needed space with an open invitation to others who identify as having experienced sexual assault. We have been holding them twice monthly ever since.
Salons occur in an assault survivor or ally’s home, at which an artist presents their/her work to the group, after which the space is opened for dialogue, reactions and supported disclosure. Occasionally, an artist will invite those in attendance to create art work as well. The location is always confidential. Chocolate is ALWAYS present, inspired by the practice of certain anti-violence activists in Brazil who use the food to inspire warmth and calm in their meetings. In addition, a place is always provided for folks to safely exit the Salon at any time if content becomes too much of a trigger, or if one is simply in need of a break.
The Salons always occur from 5:45 to 8:15 pm, often on Sundays, twice monthly. We try to offer one Salon in San Francisco and one in Oakland, depending on location availability. Our Salons are currently open only to female and trans* identified survivors of sexual assault. We are eager to begin providing Salons for cis-men who have experienced assault. If you identify as such and would like to facilitate a Salon, or just to talk, please contact us.
FOR LOCATION INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT support@disclosesilence.org
Salons occur in an assault survivor or ally’s home, at which an artist presents their/her work to the group, after which the space is opened for dialogue, reactions and supported disclosure. Occasionally, an artist will invite those in attendance to create art work as well. The location is always confidential. Chocolate is ALWAYS present, inspired by the practice of certain anti-violence activists in Brazil who use the food to inspire warmth and calm in their meetings. In addition, a place is always provided for folks to safely exit the Salon at any time if content becomes too much of a trigger, or if one is simply in need of a break.
The Salons always occur from 5:45 to 8:15 pm, often on Sundays, twice monthly. We try to offer one Salon in San Francisco and one in Oakland, depending on location availability. Our Salons are currently open only to female and trans* identified survivors of sexual assault. We are eager to begin providing Salons for cis-men who have experienced assault. If you identify as such and would like to facilitate a Salon, or just to talk, please contact us.
FOR LOCATION INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT support@disclosesilence.org
