Welcome back to another impactful episode of Adventures in Business, a podcast for the working people of Lansing, Michigan.

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Today, we have the honor of interviewing Priscilla Bordayo, an inspiring advocate from Crime Survivors for Safety & Justice. Priscilla shares powerful insights into her work, focusing on rehabilitation and restoration for both victims and perpetrators of abuse. Her newest role is the State-Wide Manager for CSSJ.

Priscilla has been featured on TCT, Moms Of Miracles, Driven By Women, The Every Day Series, Every Dope Girl, and the Cover Of Women’s Lifestyle Magazine (2019). She was the 2019 Women of the Year and 2020-10 over the next 10 award winner. She is currently up for the Governor’s award! Priscilla currently works for two nonprofits called EVE (Ending Violent Encounters) and Crime Survivors For Safety and Justice. CSSJ is her first National position where she is currently working on the Michigan Safer Act that focuses on victim Compensation and rehabilitation for those who commit crimes.

Priscilla’s Philosophy and Work

ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”1″>Belief: “Hurt people hurt people, but healed people heal people.” Priscilla’s mission is to break the cycle of abuse through healing and forgiveness.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”3″>Focus: Rehabilitation and restoration for victims and perpetrators of incest.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”5″>Advocacy: Engages with state legislators and senators to enact laws that support her vision of ending the culture of abuse.

Priscilla’s Journey and Personal Story

ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”1″>Background: Survivor of sexual abuse by her father, who was also a pastor.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”3″>Discovery of family history revealing generational cycles of abuse.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Forgiveness: Strong faith-based belief in forgiveness; Priscilla forgave her parents and now helps others find healing through forgiveness.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”6″>Transformation: Shares stories of personal transformation and the power of complete forgiveness.

Crime Survivors for Safety & Justice Initiatives

As an advocate, Priscilla collaborates with state legislators and senators to improve laws supporting crime victims. A significant achievement includes her work on the Victim Compensation laws in Michigan, which now allow victims more time to report crimes and access compensation. Additionally, she has helped establish trauma recovery centers with Henry Ford Hospital.

ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”1″>Elevating Voices: Provides platforms for survivors to share their stories and be heard.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”3″>Conducts media and legislative training for victims and survivors.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Legislative Impact: Over 200,000 members across the country working to influence lawmaking.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”6″>Participates in creating laws and programs that offer reduced sentences for rehabilitated individuals.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”7″>Victim Compensation:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”8″>Secured significant funding for victim compensation.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”9″>Michigan improved its victim compensation from ranking worst in the country to securing millions in funds.

5. Healing Through Action

ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”1″>Programs:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Equips victims with storytelling opportunities, legislative training, and media engagement.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”3″>Focuses on creating trauma recovery centers that offer comprehensive support in a single location.
ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Results:
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”5″>$3 billion was secured across the country for victims and survivors.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”6″>100 bills passed into law based on feedback from victims and survivors.

Conclusion

This episode with Priscilla Bordayo is a testament to the power of healing and forgiveness in breaking cycles of abuse. Her work with Crime Survivors for Safety & Justice brings hope and tangible change to countless lives.

If you found this episode inspiring, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Stay tuned for more empowering stories and expert insights.

Call to Action

Want to get involved or learn more about Priscilla’s work? Visit the Crime Survivors for Safety & Justice website and consider joining their advocacy efforts.

You can also connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at pbordayo@safeandjust.org

You can find additional information at Safe and Just Michigan.

Every voice counts in making a difference.

Thank you for tuning in! Until next time, keep advocating for change and supporting one another.

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S3E27 – Priscilla Bordayo – Crime Survivors for Safety & Justice