In this powerful final episode of the Voice2Change podcast, Jocelyn Maminta sits down with survivor and advocate Vanessa Barneschi, who shares her harrowing story of surviving a violent attack and sexual assault during her early morning run. Vanessa recounts the traumatic experience, the crucial support she received from both strangers and family, and her journey through the legal and healing process. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of compassion, community action, and empathy for survivors while offering hope and practical wisdom for healing and resilience.Vanessa Barneschi is a high school teacher and survivor whose life was profoundly changed after being violently attacked and sexually assaulted during an early morning run in West Hartford, Connecticut. Since her experience, she has become an advocate, using her voice to educate others and inspire survivors to find their own voice. Vanessa Barneschi has been involved with Jane Doe No More Survivors Speak for over a decade, sharing her story to promote hope, healing, awareness, and prevention. She is also a mother and continues to inspire others with her resilience and commitment to kindness.

Topics Discussed:

• Vanessa's attack on her early morning run
• Communicating her story as a teacher and survivor
• The importance of family on resilience
• The role of strangers had on her attack
• Support received from police, medical staff, and community
• The impact secondary survivors face
• Embracing both losses and new beginnings
• The journey to advocacy and joining Jane Doe No More
• Encouragement to always be kind
• Reflections on moving forward and using her story to help others

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