180. Norma Peterson-Part 2: Furthering the Discussion of the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit

This week, I am again featuring as my guest, Norma Peterson, Executive Director of Document the Abuse, to talk about the lasting impact of the Stacy Peterson case and the broader importance of documenting abuse when systems fail survivors. Our conversation explores how power, media narratives, and institutional silence can obscure truth—and why preserving survivor stories is not only important, but necessary. As Executive Director, Norma oversees the organization's survivor-centered advocacy, education, and documentation initiatives. A central focus of her work is the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit, the primary tool used by Document the Abuse to help survivors formally record patterns of abuse, coercive control, and systemic failures in a clear, structured format. Norma explains that the affidavit is typically used to create a contemporaneous, survivor-authored record that can support legal proceedings, civil actions, advocacy efforts, or simply preserve the truth when no formal action is taken. Norma also shares insight into the mission behind Document the Abuse, the importance of accountability, and how documentation itself becomes a form of advocacy—particularly in cases where justice remains unresolved. This episode is a thoughtful examination of memory, truth, and our collective responsibility to listen, even when answers are incomplete and outcomes are uncertain. For listeners who want to learn more or support this work, Document the Abuse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving survivor voices, documenting patterns of abuse, and ensuring that stories are not erased when systems fall short. Through tools like the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit and survivor-centered leadership, the organization works to center truth, accountability, and the belief that documentation can be a powerful step toward justice. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these conversations, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on your podcast platform—it truly helps more people find these stories. You can also follow Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on Instagram and send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and you feel like you might be ready to share your story—whether for your own healing or to help someone else—reach out to me. We can start a conversation, with no pressure and no expectations. You can email me directly at dave@sasstories.com. Please include a phone number where I can reach you, because I genuinely prefer to talk with people who are considering guesting. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out—and please keep those emails coming. I truly look forward to hearing from you. Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore. Where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so. Thank you—for listening, for believing survivors, and for being part of this community. https://documenttheabuse.org https://hassl.uk/ https://saprea.org/ https://whattheydontsay.com https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. (Check out https://evawintl.org/ & https://startbybelieving.org for more information on "Start By Believing"!) Thank you for tuning in. --Dave