Healthy Love After Trauma
Join PAVE/Survivors.org Founder Angela Rose as she interviews Erin Merryn, pioneer of “Erin’s Law,” Antuan “Magic” Raimone, Broadway performer and speaker, and Shannon Bobo, comedian and actress, as they discuss how they have cultivated healthy love after experiencing sexual violence.
Learn More About The Panelists
Erin Merryn
“After suffering years of sexual abuse for six years of her childhood Erin broke her silence when she was 13 at a Children’s Advocacy Center. The place Erin reclaimed her voice and began her journey to healing. Erin has spoken at over 250 CAC events.
In 2008, she began writing legislators to require personal body safety be taught to kids in school. This decision has brought her on a crusade across America to pass what is known as Erin’s Law. Erin’s Law is the first US child sexual abuse prevention education law requiring children be educated in schools. Erin has been traveling state to state testifying to lawmakers to pass Erin’s law for 7 years.”
— Erin Merryn’s Official Bio
Antuan Raimone
“Affectionately known as Magic, PAVE Ambassador Antuan Raimone gave his first TEDX Talk in March of 2018. He has also spoken at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and at other conferences for the Offices of Victim Services in Albany, NY as a Survivor of childhood sexual abuse. He is an Advisory Council Member/Advocate/Speaker with the Offices of Victim Services of NYC against sexual assault/abuse and volunteers with Live Out Loud of NYC as an openly gay role model to LGBTQ+ Youth.
His first career as a Singer/Dancer/Actor/Choreographer in Musical Theatre spans two decades. Currently, he’s a Universal Swing for the Pulitzer Prize and 11x TONY award-winning musical Hamilton. Prior, he was in the Grammy and 4x TONY award-winning In the Heights and has performed at Radio City Music Hall and The Grand Ole Opry with the Rockettes.
After repeated incidents of childhood sexual abuse, Antuan Magic Raimone lived his life from a place of fear, not wanting to risk standing in the light of his truest self. When he realized that “being afraid of what may happen keeps us from living in the love of what is happening,” Raimone chose to become a Soldier of Love-a person who acknowledges fear, but chooses to live from love instead.”
— Antuan Raimone’s Official Bio
Shannon Bobo
“With a foundation in casting, where I’ve served as an associate and honed my skills, I’ve discovered the profound ability to help individuals portray the best versions of themselves. My mission on this planet is to empower everyone to find their voice, and all my endeavors align with supporting this cause.
My background spans film, TV, radio, live performances, live video streaming, casting, and producing. Currently, I thrive both behind the scenes as a casting director and in front of the camera as an actor, host, and stand-up comic. As the founder of Shannon Bobo Casting, established in 2019, I oversee the casting process for various projects, ranging from on-camera commercials to Disney’s LaunchPad Series on Disney+ and full-length feature films.
A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, I actively contribute to the LA SAG-AFTRA Sexual Harassment Committee. My lifelong ambassadorship for PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment) reflects my commitment to supporting survivors of sexual trauma. In addition to my professional pursuits, I’m crafting a book titled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forgiveness advocating for peace through forgiveness, self-love, and healing.”
— Shannon Bobo’s Official Bio
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country.
Phone: 800-656-4673
Chat: Click here to chat
National Domestic Violence Hotline
We are here to serve all those impacted by relationship abuse 24/7 confidentially. Due to high demand, you may experience longer wait times to connect with a live advocate.
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