Project Overview

Active Witness was created by a woman who experienced intrusive abuse early in life. She had assembled her own toolbox of practices that helped her wayfind through trauma’s impact. She became certain that others, with similar experiences, had identified specific habits, practices and routines that helped them to live healthy lives with calm, contentment, joy and connection. The website is aimed at making this toolbox accessible to this shocklingly large part of the general population.

Design Philosophy

The website has been a collaborative journey to present the data and resources in a compelling and accessible interface, while also maintaining anonymity and safety of visitors and members. Much attention has been given to ensuring that there are safety features, while also giving as much attention as possible to providing useful knowledge and channels for users of the site to provide for each other and the world. The method of the anonymity-based multiuser system has been patented.

Key Features

Resources

• Large, expanding database of public and private media resources
• The curated resources are focused on increasing awareness and the prevention of intrusive abuse
• Keyword and category search interface

Research

• Charted cumulative data on user input regarding their experiences, insights, and demographics
• Anonymous input form for self-reporting information that benefits collective members and visitors alike.

Collective Membership System

• Anonymous login creation
• Artwork or writing submissions for members
• Question of the Month and blog posts, newsletters benefitting members

Tech Stack

• Astro
• Supabase
• Make
• Airtable

Impact & Recognition

Worldwide reception has been marked, and helped thousands of survivors, while informing visitors of the realities of childhood sexual abuse.