The BRAVE Model©: Simple Steps to Support Peers Who Disclose Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
bell hooks
When I was 16, I told the people closest to me that I was being subjected to sexual abuse. I feared they wouldn’t believe or blame me, and I wasn’t wrong. Many of my peer’s first reactions were fear, shame, and disbelief.
At first, I internalized the blame, believing it was my fault and that I was overreacting. But I wasn’t. Fortunately, I connected with feminist organizations, counselling and survivor stories of Black feminists Alice Walker and Audre Lorde, which helped me understand that the burden wasn’t mine to bear alone. I began writing and created a zine called Soar about being a survivor, including a peer support model with five simple steps to support a friend who shares with you that they were harmed: the BRAVE Model©, Believe, Respect, Ask, Validate, Empathize. It became a way to envision and ask for the support I needed.
After creating the Soar zine, I started to organize concerts in the basement of community centres to raise funds for the local rape crisis centre. I would take the mic between sets to talk about sexual abuse and the BRAVE Model©. I wanted my peers to know how to support their friends like me. Healing from sexual violence is a long journey, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. I’m grateful for the people who learned to be BRAVE alongside me.
The BRAVE MODEL© Responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Disclosures with Care. We are brave together.
I created The BRAVE Model© in 1998 as an educator, survivor, and advocate. One of the first peer-to-peer tools of its kind in Canada, it has become a vital framework for fostering trauma-informed, compassionate responses to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence.
Originally designed as a peer-to-peer tool, the BRAVE Model© has evolved into a versatile resource for youth programs, post-secondary institutions, sports organizations, government departments, and more. Grounded in survivor expertise, community knowledge, research, and consultation, the tool is continuously refined to meet the community's needs.
Farrah Khan owns the copyrights of the BRAVE© model, and unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
The BRAVE Model© Keynotes & Workshops
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In this workshop, employees are introduced to the BRAVE Model©, which outlines five clear actions to support co-workers affected by sexual violence or harassment. Research shows that many survivors disclose their experiences to trusted peers first, underscoring the critical role colleagues play in supporting one another. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and relatable workplace scenarios, participants will build practical skills in offering support, fostering a safer and more compassionate work environment.
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In this workshop, youth are introduced to the BRAVE Model©, a framework that provides five key actions to support peers affected by sexual violence or harassment. The BRAVE framework breaks down these actions into clear, simple steps to guide youth in offering effective peer support. Research shows that 80-90% of young survivors disclose to friends first, highlighting the importance of peer response. Through interactive storytelling, games, and pop culture references, participants will strengthen their skills in peer support and community care.