From her time as a Missouri State University student to her current role as the executive director for the Nebraska Tribes Addressing Violence Coalition (NETAV), Kirby Williams has raised awareness and promoted the prevention of intimate partner violence, particularly within Native communities.
Williams graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2015 and a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2017.
Lived-experience guiding action
Williams’ journey began during her time at MSU. During her senior year, she found herself in an abusive relationship, becoming a survivor of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. This traumatic experience ignited a passion within her to ensure others did not have to endure similar struggles in silence.
“It took me about six months to really step forward and report what had happened,” Williams said. “I had a lot of difficulties trying to navigate that process and access healing, especially as a Native person.”
Supporting Native communities
From Grove, Oklahoma, and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Williams understands the challenges faced when seeking support for intimate partner violence. Drawing from her own experiences and background, she empowers support for Native communities and survivors.
Her work with NETAV focuses on raising awareness and advocating for change within tribal communities, as well as larger systemic reform. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities, which include policy advocacy, education, training and resource networking for survivors of intimate partner violence. These activities include developing programs, collaborating with partner organizations and raising awareness for these challenges.
Reflecting on MSU
Williams notes her time at MSU as formative in shaping her journey toward advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Her psychology education allowed her to grow and empathize with others in a deeper manner. This instilled a passion in her to be a supportive figure for those who did not have such a person and help them in any way she can.
“Psychology gave me a foundation for understanding and processing trauma and the importance of getting culturally-relevant resources to address it,” Williams said.
Educating and raising awareness
Williams’ commitment to advocacy includes conducting presentations and trainings on topics like human trafficking and the impact of trauma on survivors.
Through her presentations, Kirby challenges misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding intimate partner violence. She emphasizes the importance of survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
“It takes an average of seven to nine times for somebody to leave a domestic violence situation permanently and safely,” Williams said.
Focusing on survivor rights
A key message Williams shares with survivors is one of validation and support. Survivors are the experts of their own experiences, and she encourages respect for their choices. She advocates for a society that believes survivors and offers them the resources they need to achieve safety and healing.
“We don’t have to continue with the status quo,” Williams said. “We must believe and support survivors and recognize that healing looks very different for everyone.”
Williams’ journey from survivor to advocate serves as a symbol of hope and change in the fight against intimate partner violence. Through her dedication, she is making a lasting impact on the lives of survivors and communities, inspiring others to join her in creating a more supportive world for all.