| Principle | What It Means | |-----------|----------------| | | Survivor agrees in writing, knowing exactly where/how the story will be used. | | Control | Survivor approves final content and can withdraw at any time. | | Anonymity option | Allow pseudonyms, silhouettes, or voice modulation if requested. | | No retraumatization | Avoid graphic details; focus on resilience, not horror. | | Support resources | Always include helplines or counseling info alongside the story. | | Compensation | Pay survivors for their time and emotional labor (if feasible). |

Why are survivor stories so effective? Because they bridge the gap between sympathy and empathy.

For awareness campaigns, this is the holy grail. A person who feels the reality of domestic violence is more likely to donate, more likely to volunteer, and more likely to intervene when they see warning signs in their own community.

on abstract issues like human trafficking, domestic violence, and gun violence. Encouraging Others: Hearing these stories often inspires others