Singer, songwriter to share story of healing at The W
Singer, songwriter and author Jessica Willis Fisher will share her journey from being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse to healing through music and therapy on Wednesday, April 26 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium on the campus of Mississippi University for Women.
“I am thankful to have Jessica here to tell her journey of reclaiming her voice to our campus and our community because it is a story that needs to be heard. We hope this event helps others to understand and hopefully helps anyone going through abuse silently to reclaim their voices as well,” said Dr. Bliss, assistant professor of psychology and Psi Chi International Honor Society Chapter advisor.
Fisher believes that sharing our stories with one another will change the world. Raised playing traditional folk music from an early age, she performed with her family band, The Willis Clan, in the Irish, Country, and Bluegrass music scenes and appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and America’s Got Talent.
At 24 years old, she left her seemingly happy family life due to the escalating danger and long-term abusive treatment from her father. She dove into therapy to try and understand the events of her childhood, which enabled her to participate in bringing her abuser to justice.
Her memoir, “Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice,” sheds light on the trauma of sexual abuse and shares her journey to reclaim her voice in music and life. She is a passionate advocate for fellow survivors and further shares her story through her deeply personal debut solo album, “Brand New Day”.
Grateful for her second chance, Fisher wants her story to help others. She established The Brand New Day Fund to support a variety of organizations and causes close to her heart. Fisher is passionate about the prevention of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, and facilitating cooperation between advocates, lawmakers, law enforcement, and victims. She also believes strongly in the healing power of music as a therapy, and seeks to help women and young adults rise above their past traumatic experiences to build safe, healthy lives for themselves.
The event is free and open to the public. Monetary donations will be accepted to benefit Safe Haven.
The event is hosted by The W’s Psi Chi International Honor Society Chapter and Psychology Club