AUSTIN, Texas — Societal attitudes surrounding sexual violence must evolve to reflect the lasting, pervasive harm inflicted on victims, according to the head of a nonprofit organization dedicated to long-term survivor recovery.
Ciji Wagner, founder of the nonprofit Louder Than Silence, emphasized during a recent conversation on Inside Austin with host Brian Fitzgerald that public discussions frequently minimize the true impact of trauma by treating it as an isolated incident rather than a life-altering event.
Wagner noted that society often creates an emotional distance from the reality of assault, making it difficult for the public to comprehend how deeply trauma alters everyday life.
"I think if we really, as a society, understood just the sheer, like, depth and breadth of how experiencing sexual violence changes the course of a whole—of a person's whole entire life, then the callowness wouldn't be possible," Wagner said. She added that if the public categorized sexual trauma in a manner "truly accurate to the level of harm, then I think the discourse would end up being different."
Wagner’s perspective stems from her own experience as a survivor seeking specialized mental health care. While undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy — a cognitive protocol used to help the brain correctly process and store traumatic memories — Wagner experienced an epiphany about the unfair burdens placed on victims.
"I had this moment of relief and, you know, just like feeling the weight dropping off, but then it—this hit me, why am I paying for this?" Wagner said. "Like, shouldn't he be paying for this? Shouldn't somebody else be paying for this? Haven't I paid enough?"
Recognizing that many survivors cannot afford specialized treatment, Wagner founded Louder Than Silence, partnering with an existing organization to launch recovery programming within three weeks. The organization now provides structured support aimed at guiding survivors through the prolonged stages of emotional recovery.
The primary point of entry for the organization is a 12-week workshop conducted in cohort groups, designed to build a reliable community before survivors begin more intensive trauma processing. Following the workshop, participants can access EMDR therapy, writing workshops, book clubs, annual retreats, self-care kits, and regular community reconnection events.
Wagner emphasized that establishing a healthy support system is essential to healing from severe trauma, stating that having "a group of people who simply get it, in and of itself, changes your life."
To sustain its programming and long-term care initiatives, Louder Than Silence relies on monthly donor contributions and community events. The nonprofit will host an upcoming Holiday Bazaar and Benefit on Nov. 7 at the Austin Sign Company, located at 9012 Research Blvd. The event will feature local vendors, food trucks, and craft booths hosted by survivors from the organization, as well as book signings by published authors, including Wagner.
