Dr. Christine DiBlasio Named USA Today Woman of the Year for Vermont

Mar 30, 2023 | Stone House Spotlight

Dr. DiBlasio and The Safety Team’s Therapeutic Sexual Violence Recovery Program is Transforming Lives.

“I am thrilled to be recognized for this honor based on the tireless work of The Safety Team and the great need for the work that we are doing,” said DiBlasio, who serves as the organization’s president. “We can’t always stop ‘the bad’, but we can always add to ‘the good’ by empowering people. Our programs help participants to discover the power of their bodies, reclaim their voice, better understand trauma and triggers, and practice boundary setting along with practical self-defense. There is nothing more gratifying than witnessing such incredible healing and transformation,” added DiBlasio.

Dr. Christine DiBlasio

For over 30 years, DiBlasio has guided and empowered survivors of sexual assault and other violence by using innovative programs that include both the mind and body. DiBlasio and other highly skilled professionals lead The Safety Team’s efforts, facilitating corporate workshops, classes, and seminars, at universities, hospitals, community centers, etc. The Safety Team also trains therapists, educators, social workers, and other health care providers to offer additional trauma recovery and violence prevention programs. She acknowledged the Safety Team’s success is due in large part to the support of The Vermont Women’s Fund and the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services, as well as some private donors.

“We are grateful to our partners for their support and are now at a crossroad of exploring opportunities to take our non-profit program to the next level and with the right resources we believe we can,” added DiBlasio.

DiBlasio, who referenced statistics supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], shared approximately 50% of U.S. women experience some form of sexual violence during their lifetime and sexual violence affects millions of people each year in the United States.

Senator Peter Welch added: “This is a well-deserved recognition for Christine DiBlasio and the entire Safety Team. They do invaluable work supporting survivors of sexual violence and working to prevent future violence with a unique approach that combines trauma therapy and empowerment. Vermont is fortunate to have them.”

About The Safety Team: The Safety Team, Inc., is a 501(c)3 Vermont nonprofit organization dedicated to the preventing violence, fostering resilience, healing trauma, and building safer communities. While we offer a variety of workshops focused on enhancing safety and empowerment, we also collaborate with other organizations that share our broader mission of enhancing the well-being, leadership abilities and resilience of women, girls and people at high risk of violence.

For information about workshops, volunteer, and sponsorship opportunities, or to enroll in our training and certification programs: Contact Eileen at Eileen@TheSafetyTeam.org or Dr. DiBlasio.

For media interviews: Contact Lynn Luczkowski, L2 Communications, 413-478-1569 or email Lynn@L2comm.biz.

Visit USA Today Women of the Year to read more or view this USA Today video interview of Dr. DiBlasio.