About Us
Turning Thoughts Into Actions
Founded in 2021 by Sara Rose Salih, The Survivors Oasis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping women heal from sexual and physical abuse through trauma-informed art therapy and expressive arts programs.
Originally established as The Usual Artspects, our organization has grown in scope and impact. As our mission expanded, we transitioned to the name The Survivors Oasis to better reflect the safe, restorative space we provide for women on their healing journeys.
While our organization now operates as The Survivors Oasis, we continue to use The Usual Artspects as the name for our art markets—honoring the creative community that helped build and sustain us from the beginning.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help heal and empower female survivors of physical violence and sexual abuse. We provide Outreach, Art, Support, Impact, and Safety for survivors. Through a safe supportive environment, we provide expressive programs, group therapy, community support groups, education awareness, and resources for survivors.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create lasting social change by providing prevention education that helps end sexual abuse, while offering accessible, creative pathways to healing for survivors. We are building a future where every woman has access to diverse, self-expressive programs—including Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Writing Therapy, and Martial Arts/Self-Defense—that support empowerment, restoration, and long-term well-being.
Heal the Cause
Some Facts About Female Sexual Abuse
In the U.S., one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
17, 700,000 women have been victims of rape since 1998.
Over 94 % of perpetrators of sexual violence walk free.
94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
91% of victims do not report to law enforcement.
90% of children who are victims of abuse know their abuser.
70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to sever distress. A larger percentage than for any other crime.
33% of female rape survivors will contemplate suicide.
These devastating statistics make one thing clear: sexual abuse touches every family. Our sisters, mothers, wives, and daughters are living with the impact of violence that should never have happened. These numbers are unacceptable, and The Survivors Oasis is committed to raising awareness and driving meaningful change around this very real, very urgent issue that millions of women in America face every single day.
When left untreated, side effects of sexual trauma include (but are not limited to):
Addiction
Alcohol Abuse
Anxiety
Auto Immune Disease
Bi-Polar Disorder
Body Image Issues
Borderline Personality Disorder
Chronic Pain
Denial
Depression
Dissociative Disorder
Drug Use
Eating Disorders
Fertility Disorders
Fibromyalgia
Flashbacks
Guilt
Insomnia
Isolation
Nightmares & Night Terrors
Panic Disorders
Paranoia
Phobias
Promiscuity
PTSD
Self-Esteem Issues
Self-Harm
Sexual Disorders
Shame
Suicide
Toxic and Co-Dependent Relationships
Trauma Bonding
Trust Issues
