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.
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Tammi Slovinsky's June Newsletter
Published 3 months ago • 3 min read
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 and during talks, our culture unfortunately reinforces silence on the experience of gender-based violence and while we have advanced conversations there also continues to be backlash against survivors who go public, especially those who seek to hold powerful people accountable. While I have had several people tell me I am brave, I do need to rally and remind myself often that I am good and rise above any shame I feel now that my story is "out there."
For anyone who feels overwhelmed reading the book, please know this is normal and expected. Please consider reaching out to your local nonprofit for individual and/or group support, such as the Alice Paul House in PA or the YWCA of Richmond. Services are free but please make a donation, as funding reductions have significantly impacted these invaluable programs. I reached out to an agency recently to discuss ways I can support their center through book events and noted there were 3 vacancies (out of a handful of staff). I am excited to share that I am partnering with the agency to donate a portion of proceeds from the sales of my book the day of the event. See event details below.
I am sharing some photos from the May events:
Is that an excited or nervous smile for my first event at the Chesterfield County Libraries Local Author Book Fair?
Sharing my book with family (who drove six plus hours in the rain!) and friends at Byrd Cellars Winery. I created the painting in the background several years ago and donated it to Byrd to thank them for their generosity to the community.
Signing a book for a supporter and friend.
Singing a song from my book at Sit and Stay Cafe. With so many family and friends attending, I needed to close my eyes to shed fewer tears.
Many thanks to my hosts Byrd Cellars in Goochland, PA and Sit and Stay Cafe in Indiana, PA. Please continue to support these amazing small businesses!
Where Have You Spotted My Book?
Colleagues and friends sent my images of places they have seen my book. This is such a treat for me. Please continue to share them!
At Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh, PA. I enjoyed several visits to this wonderful park over the years.
The Reviews Are In...
I am excited to share some initial reviews, including from Kirkus, "The most trusted voice in book reviews since 1933." Full reviews are available via links provided.
Honest, rigorously researched, and hopeful, this book deserves a place on every survivor’s shelf.— Kirkus Reviews
"...There were some things brought to light that I had never thought about before or necessarily associated with SA [sexual assault] trauma. So some of this was rather eye opening and definitely leads me to some self introspection on things that resonated with me in a way I’d never thought of before..." —Ciara Hartman, NetGalley
"...Extremely difficult but highly important subject matter. Some of the book was hard to read but absolutely worth delving into to broaden reader understanding. I can see this being a very valuable reference/resource for those in advocacy work and working in the wider systems that support people who have faced sexual violence. Certainly a book I would be interested in revisiting in the future also."—Alicia McTeggart, NetGalley
Upcoming Events
On June 20, I will be talking with members of a local book club in Deltaville, VA. Please send me a note if you would like me to visit your book club, via email. I created a book club discussion guide on my website, with some questions to consider, such as:
How would you describe this book to your best friend?
Which topics in the book sparked your curiosity and made you want to explore further?
I am also excited to announce that a portion of the proceeds from the sales at Paperbacks Ink in Newport News on August 8, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. will support the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors , which provides critical and free help and support for survivors on the Hampton Roads, VA Peninsula. Books must be purchased from the store the day of the event.
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 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...
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...
