Ashley Bendiksen

@ashleybendiksen.bsky.social

Former At-Risk Youth + DV/SA Survivor on a Mission 🎙️Speaking and training nationally on prevention, response, and resilience | Award-winning activist | Writer and author ✨ www.topyouthspeakers.com/ashley

How we wrapped up in Wisconsin! Morning training for professionals who work with youth! This was in-person plus live streamed, and was a powerful way to wrap up the trip: student talk, parent talk, staff/community PD. Thank you @thewomenscommunityinc for all you do! Honored to contribute.

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I’m thrilled to speak at this year’s Western Regional Joint Threat Assessment Training in Bozeman, MT! My focus — domestic violence, how it impacts the workplace, and best practices to ensure safety and employee wellbeing.

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Speaking at APCA! 🎙️✨ In college, I was forced to drop out due to an abusive relationship. Years later, I’d return and graduate as Valedictorian. Relational health = mental health and academic success. Grateful to share this message. 🙏🏼

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I had such an amazing time in Wausau, WI recently. A huge student talk, followed by a parent talk, and a training for youth service providers the next day! These are trips I always value deeply - ones where I can deliver comprehensive community impact. Talk to me for more info! #edusky

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Back at the airport! Up next GA and WI…. Georgia — Speaking to 1,500+ students at two schools! Wisconsin — Reaching 1,000+ youth and adults: a student assembly, a parent talk, and a community training for direct service providers. So grateful! 🙏🏼 #edusky

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I draw one of these at the end of every year. ✍🏻 Year in the middle + a blurb for each month. It definitely helps me reflect and celebrate vs feeling like “nothing happened.” Lots to be thankful for: Memorable speaking trips. Publishing my journalism. Appearing on PBS, NPR. Overall, a great year!

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Every year, I write my future self a letter to open on #NYE. ✍🏻 This is one of my absolute favorite traditions and I can’t wait to read this today! Highly recommend you try this for next year, and let me know if you do! Also, what are some of YOUR end-of-year traditions? (I love this kind of stuff)

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Gisèle Pelicot's final words in court on keeping her husband’s surname: "When the trial began, my children were 'ashamed' of the name Pelicot. I have grandchildren called that. I want them proud. My name is known worldwide now. They shouldn't be ashamed. Today, we will remember Gisèle Pelicot."

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Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do; Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too. Imagine all the people Livin' life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one. John Lennon, 10/9/40-12/8/80

Time Magazine cover, headlined, "When the Music Died: John Lennon."
Image of John Lennon.

Just recorded a video for an online summit that will reach 70,000 parents!!! I know that this is life-changing information and skills for parents to learn. All the “what ifs” from my trauma as a teen feel very balanced by the work I do now. 🎙️💜 #edusky

Things you might grieve when healing: • Lost time (sometimes a huge chapter of your life) • Lost innocence, growing up too fast • The early safety and stability you deserved • Family relationships you wish you had • Not taking better care of yourself • Recognizing survival mode as your default

Things I’m looking forward to this week: Seeing #Wicked and preparing to cry Finalizing edits on a virtual speech A lull in emails Long hot showers My vegan pumpkin pie RPDR during workouts Cleaning, organizing What’s everyone else doing this week? Simple pleasures? Holiday plans?

Hi all! 👋🏼 Continuing to introduce myself here. I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness. Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift). Tell me about you!

Hi everyone! I just learned about Bluesky from a ton of people deleting X! Really hoping to love it + find my community here! I’m Ashley, a #survivor turned full time speaker and activist on abuse prevention, gender and social justice issues. 👋🏼 Looking to follow other survivors and allies.