NC State graduate helping sexual assault survivors heal and tell their stories

In October 2019, CBS 17 News reporter Kelly Kennedy profiled Kyle Linton, an NC State graduate, entrepreneur, and technologist who helped create Our Wave. The Raleigh segment explored how Linton and his friends set out to give sexual assault survivors a safe place to be heard.

A Safe Space for Untold Stories

Linton told CBS 17 that a personal connection led him to ask how he could better support survivors. He and his friends imagined a place where survivors who weren't ready to speak publicly could share their stories anonymously. They also wanted to connect those survivors with resources such as local rape crisis centers. From that idea, the nonprofit Our Wave was born.

Using Technology to Reach Underserved Survivors

"Technology allows you to have scale," Linton explained. An online space can reach survivors in underserved areas, including military communities, communities of color, and LGBTQIA+ and transgender communities. He said connecting people with resources earlier gives Our Wave the chance to support as many survivors as possible.

Linton added that many survivors share because they hope something good can come from their experience and help someone else. To protect their privacy, he said, the team reviews each story before it's posted and removes identifying details. Survivors can also take their stories down at any time.

Watch the full segment on CBS 17 News.