For many survivors, reaching out for help requires doing something incredibly difficult: putting a painful experience into words. That can happen through a conversation, a phone call, a medical appointment, an advocacy meeting, or a written account. Unfortunately, survivors may then find themselves repeating the same information to multiple people, which can feel triggering. 

At Hazel, we believe there should be another option. 

A survivor may tell a friend what happened and later explain the same experience to a healthcare provider, advocate, forensic nurse, counselor, attorney, or another professional. Every person may be trying to help, but that does not make repeated disclosure easy. 

For someone who is already overwhelmed, having to start from the beginning each time can feel like another obstacle. This is where Hazel can change the experience. 

Hazel was designed to give survivors a private place to begin. 

You may not be ready for a medical appointment. 

You may not be ready to make a report. 

You may simply want to organize your thoughts or preserve information while it is fresh. Hazel allows survivors to document information in a secure environment and access it later if needed. This gives survivors an opportunity to start where they are, and have control over their story. You Stay in Control 

After trauma, having choices can be important. 

Hazel is built around survivor choice. 

Creating an account does not require a survivor to immediately schedule an appointment, make a police report, or decide what happens next. 

Instead, Hazel provides a place to learn about options and determine what feels appropriate. 

The supplied Hazel content specifically emphasizes that survivors decide what information to share, who they connect with, and when they seek additional support. 

Secure Documentation When You Need It 

Some survivors worry they will forget important details. 

Others may receive messages, emails, photographs, screenshots, or other information they want to preserve. 

Hazel provides a place for survivors to document information related to their experience.

Documentation can include details about an incident or other information a survivor may want to have available later. 

Documentation is optional. 

You decide what to save. 

Connecting With Support Without Starting Over 

One of Hazel’s goals is to help reduce the burden of repeatedly explaining what happened. The platform can provide a central place for survivors to document information and explore resources. 

When appropriate, survivors can use sharing permissions to provide information to participating support services. 

This can help create a more connected experience while keeping the survivor involved in decisions about their information. 

Your Experience Is Your Own 

There is no universal way to respond after sexual assault or another traumatic event. Some survivors seek help immediately. 

Others need time. 

Some want to talk. 

Others prefer writing. 

Some want to connect with several services. 

Others begin by simply learning what options exist. 

All of these experiences are different. 

Hazel is designed to provide a starting point that can meet survivors where they are. Support That Respects Your Experience 

You should not have to choose between getting help and maintaining control over your story. 

Hazel was created to help survivors explore resources while respecting privacy, choice, and personal pace. 

Whether you are considering medical care, forensic nursing, advocacy, counseling, or simply want information, you can begin by learning about your options. 

Your Story Belongs to You

Your experience is yours. 

You should have a voice in deciding when it is shared and with whom. 

Hazel is designed to help make that process easier.