Deondra and Desirae Brown
Featured Keynote Programs
From Victim to Survivor
Working Through the Agony of Abuse to a Place of Self-Discovery
Deondra and Desirae Brown, best-selling classical recording artists and
founders of the Foundation for Survivors of Abuse, will explore the
process of acknowledging the past and finding healing and strength for
survivors of sexual abuse. Many survivors assume that the ability to
rise above the isolation and pain of abuse is something natural or
innate to only a few strong individuals—and beyond the reach of
everyone else, including them. The hopeful reality is that the healing
journey is difficult for all survivors, but impossible for none. The Brown
sisters will draw upon their own experiences and those of other
survivors to describe what they wished they had known earlier, and
what they’ve learned so far in their journey to healing.
A Path Without Limitations
Sexual abuse is a topic that is still considered taboo by many across
this country. This abuse is cloaked in secrecy and will continue to
thrive until individuals are willing to speak out for change. Deondra
and Desirae Brown, best-selling classical recording artists and founders
of the Foundation for Survivors of Abuse, chose to begin working with
state and national legislators to end of the statute of limitations on
sexual abuse. As survivors themselves, the Brown sisters are
dedicated to sharing their experiences to help create a dialogue about,
among others, the impact sexual abuse has on victims, communities,
and states, and the importance of taking a stand for justice by holding
abusers accountable and ensuring there are no statutes of limitation
for victims.
Building Strength Amidst Grief and Pain
As victims of sexual abuse by their father, Deondra and Desirae Brown,
best-selling classical recording artists and founders of the Foundation
for Survivors of Abuse, will discuss the importance of not letting
challenges defeat you and facing the future with optimism and
happiness. The Brown sisters will address how you can find yourself,
your own voice, and lasting strength even in the most difficult of
circumstances.
Finding Courage to Report Sexual Abuse
Lessons Learned from a Life of Classical Music
The courage to come forward and report sexual abuse is rarely innate. One must learn to grow and foster the strength to come forward. Just as Desirae and Deondra Brown, best-selling classical recording artists and founders of the Foundation for Survivors of Abuse, learned to become concert pianists one note at a time, one day at a time, survivors of abuse can learn that courage is not beyond them or built in a moment. Survivors can reframe their thinking, conquer the past and patiently learn to find strength and courage to report and prosecute sexual crimes.