EMILY PRUSATOR
2014-15 Traveling Fellow
Global Dimensions of Aftercare for Victims of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is everywhere, and the problem isn't necessarily what is on the law books, but whether these laws are enforced for the most vulnerable in the world - usually women and children in poverty. Many organizations have taken up this cause and are working hard to bring justice to victims all over the world. Many make aftercare for these women and children a high priority, because they recognize how sexual violence can be extremely destructive to an individual's growth and development. The organizations I visited provide healing environments, access to mental health services, opportunities to make a living wage, and more to victims of sexual violence.
Blog: Global Dimensions of Aftercare for Victims of Sexual Violence
Hometown: Lexington, SC
Majors/Minor: Human and Organizational Development & Women’s and Gender Studies; Child Development
At Vanderbilt, Emily was a Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar and a recipient of the Peabody service award. She was a founder of Vanderbilt’s International Justice Mission (IJM) Campus Chapter.
She spent much time as a primary investigator on a research study later that was later published in 2016. In addition, she was a member of the women’s ultimate frisbee club team.
Emily currently lives in Washington D.C. where she works as a Psychotherapist at Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education, and as a Clinical Training Associate at Wendt Center for Loss and Healing; to help those recovering from trauma and loss.
“When you travel alone, your companion is the trip itself. I truly feel as if I have a relationship with the trip that no one else can ever have. You learn so much about yourself through solo travel, and for me I was able to clarify what matters most to me - walking alongside people on their journey to healing.”
— Emily Prusator, 2014-15
TRAVEL STORY
One of my favorite memories from the fellowship was my unexpected extended stay in Nepal. While I was in Khatmandu, a plane crashed onto the airport’s sole runway. No one was hurt but the plane’s landing gear broke off, meaning the plane could not move off the runway for other flights to come or go. The country of Nepal does not have the kind of equipment to move a large aircraft, so days of flight cancellations and delays commenced, including mine. However, with the help of gracious hosts and a dedicated taxi driver, I was able to continue exploring the city for a few extra days, learning more about the unique challenges that the people of Nepal face. I was even able to participate in the second annual all-women 5k run, benefitting the very organizations I had been visiting. Now I can say that I’ve run a race in the Himalayas! And yes, it was hard to breathe.
ITINERARY
Sep 1 - 18 | The Netherlands
Sep 19 - 30 | Austria
Oct 1 - Nov 1 | Italy
Nov 2 - 6 | Greece
Nov 7 - 13 | Bulgaria
Nov 14 - 16 | Romania
Nov 29 - Dec 5 | Ethiopia
Dec 6 - 12 | Rwanda
Dec 13 - 23 | South Africa
Jan 1 - Mar 1 | India
Mar 1 - 9 | Nepal
Mar 9 - 21 | Thailand
Mar 21 - Apr 4 | Cambodia
Apr 4 - 21 | The Philippines
May 1 - 20 | Colombia
