TED 37 | Why didn’t she report it to the police? with Rikki Archibald

“Why didn’t she report it to the police?” “This is not my problem, this belongs with the police.” We are hearing these comments in the salsa, bachata and kizomba spaces, where people are speaking from a point of little understanding of being a victim or survivor (and that’s great!) or little understanding of the official process of sexual assault cases. Rikki is a lawyer and a dancer, teacher and organiser who also volunteers by supporting victims of sexual assault and she walks us through how to remove people from an event and the process of what a person may expect and be prepared for when reporting a case of sexual assault or assault.

What to expect in this episode:
(00:56) From salsa follower to kizomba leader
(03:33) Teaching and creating safer spaces: it goes hand in hand and it’s a responsibility
(05:37) “Oh, he’s just like that” - Rikki does NOT accept this
(11:35) What is the point of reporting to an organiser who won’t do anything? First reactions are critical.
(15:47) The ACTUAL process of reporting sexual assault to the police is
(18:32) Be clear about your “why” for reporting - it can be healing, but it’s a tough process
(22:03) Rikki can support you if you have questions or thinking about making a public or police statement
(23:17) You need to be prepared there may not be enough evidence to conclude the case
(26:20) Why didn’t she just go to the police?
(27:37) Not “believing” someone until there is a police report

About Rikki Archibald
Rikki Archibald is a passionate dance educator and advocate, currently specialising in Urban Kiz and Ginga ladies' workshops. With years of experience teaching, Rikki’s goal has always been to empower individuals to reconnect with their bodies and celebrate their unique expression through dance. Alongside her teaching, Rikki is dedicated to promoting a respectful and safe dance environment and this comes through in her approach to teaching, organising and attending events. Rikki is also an Australian lawyer with years of experience working in courts, tribunals, and women’s refuges, supporting victims of sexual and domestic violence. She combines her legal expertise, dance knowledge, and trauma-informed approach in the work that she does in the dance community to address inappropriate conduct. Rikki is also host of The Empress Podcast, where she shares practical tips for healing from trauma.

Connect with Rikki
https://open.spotify.com/show/0mPj3OGeliYLJIEZfDZ23B
https://www.instagram.com/riktoria_andalucia/

About Bobbie Miles:
Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and empowerment coach in the salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene. Dancing is a happy place for Bobbie, as it is for so many. In order to foster safer dance spaces for all dancers, Bobbie is on a mission to promote more accountability and responsibility surrounding boundaries, consent and safety within the community through education and conversations that matter. Bobbie is a coach and advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and promoting respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a coach and public speaker, she focuses on  boundary setting and respect in practice, both on and off the dance floor.

Resources:
Download my 5 Top Tips to boost your confidence on any dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tips
Practice saying NO on the dance floor: empowereddancers.com/no

Connect with Bobbie Miles
Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast
https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast

Find me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1