Tammi Slovinsky, PhD, MPA, is an artist, author, and educator. Having lived experience of gender-based violence, she has served as an advocate, leader, and researcher in the field of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and other forms of trauma for over 20 years. She has coordinated, developed, and delivered training and technical assistance for victim services professionals at national, state, and local levels. She is an instructor at James Madison University, researching and delivering courses on gender-based violence and trauma-informed response.
Share
Tammi Slovinsky's August Newsletter
Published 24 days ago • 4 min read
Tammi Slovinsky, PhD
Your August '26 Newsletter
I have been keeping busy since the book launch in May with The New Normal events and performing music at my favorite nwinery...
Notes from Readers
Along the way, I have been so grateful for the support and praise I received from people who have read The New Normal, including childhood peers:
"Just finished your book. Bravo! Intelligent, informative and f'ing [sic] fearless! You should be very proud."
"Great job! It was so well written and the way you used the research and your story to get your points across was excellent...Thank you for your bravery..."
I was especially moved by the feedback I received below from someone who was tremendous source of inspiration for my creative self during a time when I needed it the most:
"Just reaching out to tell you how proud I am of you. Your book is an inspirational piece of writing—candid, well researched, and movingly intertwined with your personal situations. Your honesty and foresight are commendable.
What it taught me as a reader:
how much abuse—sexual, mental, et al. really continues to exist today.
that a victim's initial experience can continue to affect choices & decision-making throughout life—and not in a good way
a realization by the victim—not to squash—but seek help and guidance to avoid constant feelings of blame for what occurred.
that the understanding of the power of truth and/or an honest love can provide that needed reassurance to continue on life's journey
Tammi, continue to do what you are doing. You are an inspiration to all."
A photo from a local book club meeting, where I talked about my book and shared songs about my mom and dad
I Wish I Had Done More to Help...
A family member told me that he wished he was able to help me more in the past to cope with what I was going through. I responded that I am so grateful for his love, and the love of others throughout my life. I have heard this wish from others, but as I shared with them, we oftentimes do not know what someone is experiencing due to perceptions that these are "private matters" and our culture has historically not provided us with the tools to know what to do for people who experience gender-based violence. What education do you recall receiving on healthy relationships, the warning signs for a controlling partner, and how to help a friend when you were in middle or high school? What were the themes your learned from movies, TV shows, and music?
Perhaps some shows you recently streamed are coming to mind. Please share them if you think they provide an accurate example of what abuse and harm "looks like" and ways to navigate it for the survivor and the people who love them.
We are doing more to increase awareness and knowledge. Your local nonprofit domestic violence/sexual assault agency is working very hard with limited resources to educate the community in schools, workplaces, spaces of faith, and through social media. Please consider reviewing their website to learn more about what they do and ways you might support their efforts.
I had the opportunity to partner with The Paper Garden and the Alice Paul House to be available for book signing in July in my hometown. The highlight was visiting with a high school friend.
Honored to be visited by a friend at The Paper Garden
The Power of Local Bookstores
I have come to realize the power of local bookstores to build community. When I arrived to Paperbacks, Ink. Book Store in Newport News, a meet the principal event was taking place, a Kiwanis member was handing out flyers for an upcoming seafood benefit feast, and a small business owner was selling cosmetics. There is also a great cafe' in the back, "Tastefully Philly Cafe" (yes, they are from Philadelphia) that has a reputation for the best chicken salad sandwich in town. My sister also surprised me again with a visit on her way to the beach! I should have snapped a picture.
I am so grateful to the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors for their partnership and support. I am proud to say I sold over a dozen books, a portion of which will go to the Center. They all stopped by, on a busy Saturday no less.
My friend and I also had a chance to watch some local musicians, one of whom is someone I connected with on Facebook years ago. He has been a big supporter of my original music, and now the book. If you have a chance, check out The Shellfish Coalition if you are ever in the Tidewater, VA area.
The amazing Center for Sexual Assault Survivors team.
Original Music
Performing at Byrd Cellars with Bruce McKay
In the book, I talk about the ways song writing has helped me to cope and heal over the years. It still does. At the August 1 show at Byrd Cellars Winery I shared a new song that I wrote in the months leading up to the book release, "Thicker Skin," which will be on my next album (currently recording the second). The song reflects my anxiety about the release:
The wheels are off / my parents are gone / I would be better off leaving this alone / but I won't...
The rearview isn't always clear
Some memories are more painful than they appear (my partner helped me with this line).
You can watch the video (and other original songs) on my YouTube Channel.
Upcoming Events
In September, I will present a workshop that focuses on my book at the National Center for Victims of Crime National Training Institute. I am also excited because family is joining me and we get to meetup with a friend for dinner in the windy city!
On October 3, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. I will be back at Byrd Cellars with Bruce McKay.
On October 17, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. I will be doing a book signing at Royal Oak Bookshop in Front Royal, VA. They have bookshop cats!
Tammi Slovinsky, PhD, MPA, is an artist, author, and educator. Having lived experience of gender-based violence, she has served as an advocate, leader, and researcher in the field of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and other forms of trauma for over 20 years. She has coordinated, developed, and delivered training and technical assistance for victim services professionals at national, state, and local levels. She is an instructor at James Madison University, researching and delivering courses on gender-based violence and trauma-informed response.
Tammi Slovinsky, PhD Your June '26 Newsletter May was an incredible month. With the help and support of friends and family, I participated in a local library book fair and two back-to-back book talks and signings. I am still amazed by how well they were received, even during a rainstorm that nearly swept the weekend away... What is even more remarkable about the events, and the outreach that came before and after them, is how the book is resonating with so many people. As I state in my book...
Tammi Slovinsky, PhD Your June '26 Newsletter May was an incredible month. With the help and support of friends and family, I participated in a local library book fair and two back-to-back book talks and signings. I am still amazed by how well they were received, even during a rainstorm that nearly swept the weekend away... What is even more remarkable about the events, and the outreach that came before and after them, is how the book is resonating with so many people. As I state in my book...
