Honouring Voices, Empowering Survivors

To mark Victims and Survivors of Crime Week (May 11 to 17, 2025), Sherry Soltani, LJI journalist from Skyrise Media Society and Parvaz TV, co-hosted a powerful public event alongside Poran Poregbal, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Doctorate Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Samira Gholami, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, and Master of Counselling candidate. Titled “Honouring Voices, Empowering Survivors,” the open discussion seminar was a collaboration by Middlepeace Clinical Counselling Society, Skyrise Media, offering space for reflection, education, and community connection.

Sherry Soltani – Local Journalism Initiative

Held on May 11, 2025, in Vancouver, BC, the event brought together survivors, mental health professionals, and community members to explore the mental and physical impacts of crime and to highlight available support resources. The theme “The Power of Collaboration” guided the day’s dialogue, emphasizing how coordinated efforts across sectors are essential for healing and justice.

Poran Poregbal, highlighted the importance of creating platforms for survivors to be heard. “When we listen to survivors, we validate their pain and honour their strength,” she said. As a Doctorate Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Poregbal continues to champion trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.

Samira Gholami, also spoke about the organization’s sustained engagement with Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. “Our mission is to educate, empower, and ensure people know they are not alone,” she said. Gholami underlined the need for culturally safe and professional mental health services to reach individuals and communities that often feel silenced.

Ali Khodammi, Registered Clinical Counsellor, spoke about various forms of abuse including emotional, physical, and financial. He cautioned against well-meaning but harmful advice often found on social media. “Telling survivors to ‘stay positive’ or ‘do yoga’ isn’t therapy. They need trauma-informed, professional help,” he said.

Dr. Asgari, a community advocate, pointed to the importance of cross-sector partnerships. He noted that collaboration between clinicians, educators, and organizations enhances both the reach and quality of services for victims of crime.

Sherry Soltani, who has long used platforms like HIES to highlight silenced voices, reflected on the role of local media in healing and the transformative power of storytelling. “When individuals share their truth publicly, they break taboos, reclaim power, and inspire others navigating similar pain,” she said.

The event also featured moving personal testimonies from community members:

• Soheila spoke about the emotional scars of political trauma in Iran and how these continue to impact the Iranian-Canadian community.

• Masoudeh reflected on her immigration journey, explaining how she has built resilience through adversity.

• Mousaee, a filmmaker, offered a unique perspective on how communities in remote areas may experience trauma differently due to less exposure to modern stressors.

• Maryam advised fellow survivors to seek guidance from educated professionals rather than unqualified influencers.

The event concluded with a shared message: healing is possible through safe spaces, skilled professionals, and strong community support. The event “Honouring Voices, Empowering Survivors” brought together survivors, professionals, and advocates to reflect on the impacts of crime and emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care and cross-sector collaboration. Through powerful testimonies and expert insights, the gathering highlighted the urgent need for culturally safe support systems and affirmed that healing is achievable when communities come together with compassion, professionalism, and a shared commitment to justice.