PRESS & MEDIA

ASHLEY BENDIKSEN is a nationally recognized speaker, survivor advocate, and subject matter expert frequently sought after by media professionals for her insight on domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual violence, trauma resilience, and healing after abuse.

In addition to her work speaking nationwide, Ashley is the founder of the Blue Hearts Project and co-owner of Island Youth Coaching, a youth-focused coaching and support agency.

With a background spanning writing, journalism, podcasting, and on-screen media, Ashley has served as a journalist, senior writer, expert contributor, magazine editor, and published author. Her story was also featured in an internationally award-winning documentary.

Ashley is available for media features and commentary related to:

Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence
Teen Dating Violence and Relational Health
Trauma, Healing, and Resilience
Survivor Advocacy and Awareness
Prevention, Early Intervention, and Response
Workplace Domestic Violence and Employee Safety
Breaking News, True Crime, and Abuse-Related Current Events

Newport Neighbors Magazine, Cover Story

12x International Award Winning Documentary

WPRI 12 Eyewitness News, Spotlight Special Feature

Southcoast Almanac Magazine, Cover Feature

NPR: The movie ‘It Ends With Us’ faces criticism for glamorizing domestic abuse – Read

SELF Magazine: What Is Love Bombing and How Is It Different From Falling In Love? 6 Signs to Watch Out For – Read

Bustle Magazine: 11 Signs Of Financial Abuse In A Relationship – Read

The Healthy | Reader’s Digest: 12 Things Men Don’t Realize About Domestic Violence – Read

The Healthy | Reader’s Digest: 15 Things Most Women Don’t Realize About Domestic Violence – Read

Entrepreneur Magazine: When You Hurt Most, You Grow Most – Read

Authority Magazine: How Survivor Turned Activist & Abuse Prevention Expert Ashley Bendiksen Is Standing Up Against Violence, Bigotry, and Hate – Read

Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global: #SHEROproject, Ashley Bendiksen’s Inspiring Story –Read

Boston Voyager: Boston’s Most Inspiring Stories – Meet Ashley Bendiksen –Read

SouthCoast Almanac Magazine: Six Women We Admire, Ashley Bendiksen, Survivor – Read

Crime Junkie: Expert on Domestic Violence
Listen

Healing From Abusive Relationships
Listen

With Katie Koestner (Take Back the Night)
Listen

Surviving to Healing, Hope After Sexual Assault
Listen

The Unspoken ACE: Teen Dating Violence
Listen

Ashley Bendiksen: Powerfully Inspiring Others with Hope and Healing – Sexual Assault Survivor Stories | Listen

Behind The Heart Emoji: Hidden Risks of Teen Dating with Ashley Bendiksen – The Whole Stepfamily Podcast | Listen

Don’t Ignore the Red Flags of a Toxic Relationship – Masks Off For People-Pleasers & Perfectionists | Listen

What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Teen Dating Abuse – 10 Minute Teacher Podcast | Listen

Ashley Bendiksen on Healing From Sexual Abuse Through Advocacy – En(gendered) Podcast | Listen

Abuse and Unhealthy Relationships Among Our Students – Leader of Learning Podcast | Listen

The Mend with Ashley Bendiksen – Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services Podcast | Listen

Ashley Bendiksen on Turning Tragedy Into Triumph – The Creative Capital Show | Listen

From Victim to Survivor: Being Aware of the Red Flags for an Abusive Relationship – The Goodness Chick Podcast | Listen

Take Back Your Power with Ashley Bendiksen – Unbroken Podcast | Listen

Note from Ashley: I am so incredibly proud of the work I’ve done for my local community, but am even more humbled by all of the outward public support I’ve received. This list is just a small glimpse into that. And yes – you’ll find some fun facts about me buried within.

Providence Journal: How a RI author’s new book helps kids learn to set boundaries – Read

Southcoast Today: Ashley Bendiksen releases children’s book on boundaries and safety – Read

Aquidneck Island Living: Boundaries and Brilliance, Ashley Bendiksen’s New Children’s Book Inspires Empowerment

Fairhaven Neighborhood News: FHS grad releases children’s book about boundaries – Read

SouthCoast Today: Ashley Bendiksen shares experience with mother’s early Alzheimer’s in new memoir – Read

Salve Today: Ashley Bendiksen ’13, publishes memoir about Alzheimer’s disease – Read

Newport Resident Crowned Miss Rhode Island to Compete in National Pageant in Las Vegas – Read

Former Miss New Bedford Launches Website for Domestic Abuse Survivors – SouthCoast Today – Read

Domestic Abuse Survivor, Speaker Educates Dartmouth High Students – Dartmouth Week – Read

Dartmouth Students Change the Game on Violence and Harassment – The Standard Times – Read

Six Women We Admire, Ashley Bendiksen, Survivor – SouthCoast Almanac, 2016 Magazine Issue – Read

SouthCoast Five: Young Professionals Honored For Their Leadership, Service – SouthCoast Today – Read

YouthBuild Students Pledge to End Violence Against Women at Fall River Event – The Herald News – Read

SouthCoast’s Men and Women of The Year – SouthCoast Today – Read

New Theater Group Rallies for Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease – SouthCoast Today – Read

Newly Launched Theater Group Aims to Serve Area Charities – SouthCoast Today – Read

Telling Her Story of Domestic Violence to Save Other Women – The Enterprise News – Read

Survivors, SSTAR, Shed Light on Domestic Violence – The Herald News – Read

The Definition of Success: Ashley Bendiksen ’13 Emphasizes Character and Education in Her Valedictory Address – Report From Newport – Read (page 10)

An Unexpected Journey, Former Miss New Bedford Overcomes Struggles to Become College Valedictorian – SouthCoast Today – Read

When It Comes to Eating Healthy, Former Miss New Bedford Says Meal Prep is Key to Success – The Herald News – Read

Q&A: Health Coach Ashley Bendiksen Shares Secrets to Eating Healthy, Staying Motivated – The Herald News – Read

Local Students Return From Study Abroad Trip to Argentina – New Bedford Guide – Read

Salve Student, Ashley Bendiksen, Promotes Ending Domestic Violence – Report From Newport – Read

Miss New Bedford Crowned – SouthCoast Today – Read

Sample journalism work.

Domestic violence occurs in every Rhode Island city and town. Survivors share their stories as advocates work for safety and prevention. – Ocean State Stories| Read

Moving beyond disease-specific approach, Health Equity Zones give Rhode Islanders opportunity to improve quality of life – Ocean State Stories | Read

Nonprofit Journalistic Features on: Newport Health Equity Zone, Aquidneck Community Table, International Tennis Hall of Fame, IYRS Maritime Library, Sail Newport, Sail to Prevail, Aquidneck Land Trust, Conexion Latina Newport, Bike Newport, Edward King House, Fort Adams Trust, Gnome Surf, Innovate Newport, Island Moving Company, Looking Upwards, Lucy’s Hearth, Newport Classical, Newport Community Schools, Newport Mental Health, Newport Partnership for Families, Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, Newport OUT, Newport Pride, Sankofa Community Connection, Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and many others.

Special Events Coverage and Journalism on: Audrain Concours Motor Week, Newport Folk Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Newport Mansions Food and Wine Festival, Courting Fashion at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Induction Weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Classical Music Festival, The Nutcracker at Rosecliff, Walker Stalker Con, and many others.

Instagram:
8,200

LinkedIn:
15,000+

Facebook:
8,000+

Email List:
3,000

Promotional Network:
Huge

Press Inquiries & Interview Requests

Seeking expert commentary, informed perspective, or a compelling voice for your audience? Ashley is available for interviews, features, television and digital media appearances, podcast conversations, and news commentary.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence
Teen Dating Violence
Trauma and Resilience
Workplace Domestic Violence
Breaking News and True Crime Commentary