Hi, I'm Ashley
Survivor, advocate, author, and nationally recognized speaker.
A journey of healing and purpose
I never could have imagined that the struggles I faced at a young age would one day lead me to the work I do today.
There was a time when I believed my life would always be defined by what I’d been through. From 14 to 20, all I knew was trauma and abuse. I struggled with my sense of self, my voice, and my direction. My life was unsafe, unstable, and small. I never knew there could be more for me. But in my escaping and healing, finally, everything began to change.
I started reclaiming my life — one small moment and one day at a time. I began to process and make sense of my experiences. And somewhere along the way, I started asking a lot of “what ifs” — What if I had known? What if more people talked about this? What if I got involved?
Eventually, what started as an invitation to tell my story publicly (terrifying at the time) grew into a mission. I found my voice, became deeply involved in advocacy, and pursued a life of impact and a career rooted in change.
An unexpected path
My work today.
Today, I’m an expert speaker in abuse prevention, victim support, and trauma resilience. I work year-round with students, educators, law enforcement, victim advocates, corporate safety teams, and organizations nationwide.
I proudly earned my degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University, graduating as Valedictorian after dropping out 7 years prior due to abuse.
My work has led me to spearhead major initiatives, lobby for policy change, serve on nonprofit boards, and lead a career in criminal justice, victim services, and prevention spanning education, civic, and government sectors.
I founded the Blue Hearts Project – a global storytelling platform for survivors – and am the co-owner of Island Youth Coaching which supports youth and nonprofits.
My book, A Kids Book About Boundaries, published by DK Books/Penguin Random House, was released in 2026.
I am incredibly grateful for all of this — to help bring forth what I once needed and contribute to change.
More than a survivor.
While this work is a huge part of who I am — it’s also not the only part.
A few things about me...
- I founded and owned a theatre company that donated $30K to charity
- I've done lots of Alzheimer's advocacy, fundraising, and lobbying
- My first book was a memoir on caregiving for my mother's early-onset Alzheimer's
- I studied abroad in Argentina where I fell in love with blogging and olive oil
- I occasionally freelance and photograph iconic events like the Newport Jazz Festival
- I'm a former plant-based health coach with a vegan food line still out there!
- I'm of mixed Norwegian, Portuguese, and Italian heritage (+ Irish, French, English)
- I danced for 16 years, play piano and ukulele, am taking drum lessons, and I sing!
- My partner and I sail and have even won 1st place in a few races!
- I'm extremely "outdoorsy" and especially love to hike and bike
- My favorite self-care is a long solo walk or writing in my journal
- I spend most of my free time by the ocean and feel lucky to live in coastal RI.
Make life count.
“But there’s a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.” – Mitch Albom
Between the risks of my adolescence and the loss of my mother to Alzheimer’s at age 56, I am constantly re-affirmed of my convictions: Embrace the present. Make life count. My mother remains top of mind in all that I do. I also see her in my work… in how I serve, and in my heart. If interested, you can read more in my memoir on this wild and beautiful caregiving journey.
Feel like reading more?
Select Highlights from Ashley's Professional Work
FIELD EXPERIENCE
- Office of the District Attorney – Executive Assistant and Press Assistant
- District Court Victim Witness Advocate
- Juvenile Court Victim Witness Advocate
- Campus Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
- Sexual Assault Prevention Military Trainer
- Bystander Intervention Trainer for College Athletes
- Lobbyist for Domestic Violence and Victims Rights Legislation
- Community Education and Outreach Coordinator and Trainer
- Office of the Attorney General – Superior Court Domestic Violence/Homicide Paralegal Intern
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Valedictorian, Salve Regina University, B.A. in Administration of Justice
- Massachusetts Victim Assistance Academy
- Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance Continuing Education
- Trained Rape Crises and Domestic Violence Responder
- Extensive training across trauma-informed care, childhood trauma and ACEs, crisis response, and trauma resilience
- Certified Facilitator, Safe Dates: A Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum
- Trained in Green Dot and Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) bystander prevention
- Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist in Education (CTRS-E)
- Rhode Island Ambassador to the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) – Present
- Frequent press contributor, including this exclusive PBS feature and Crime Junkie Podcast
- Board of Directors and Development Director, Women’s Resource Center (DV Agency)
- Founder, Blue Hearts Project – a global storytelling platform for survivors
- Testimony, MA Bill Mandating Employment Protections For Victims of Abuse
- Conference Speaker – NOVA (National Organization for Victim Advocacy), CESE (National Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation)
- White Ribbon Campaign Co-organizer, including with the Boston Celtics
- Survivor in 8x Award-Winning Documentary, Notoriety Network’s #SHEROProject
- Military and Securities Training Partner, Difference Makers #10Strong
- Task force member and primary chairperson for countless prevention initiatives
Ashley Bendiksen, Domestic Violence Training, Survivor, Expert Speaker