Medical & Neurobiological Literacy
Institutional Accountability
Network & Peer Mobilization
Evidence & Forensic Safeguards
About
MINE was developed as a pre‑ and post‑traumatic resource for individuals seeking justice after sexual assault. It is designed to provide both immediate post‑trauma guidance and proactive education to help prepare and support individuals before an assault occurs.
Founder
At present, we are building our staff of dedicated individuals, including educators, counselors, community leaders, and others who share our commitment to creating lasting change. Our efforts are rooted in grassroots action—connecting directly with those most impacted, listening to their stories, and inviting them to help shape our curriculum and outreach. Over the coming months, we will be hosting community forums, launching peer support groups, and developing partnerships with local organizations to expand our reach. We are also working to build a volunteer network to help with outreach, education, and advocacy. This organic growth allows us to remain flexible and responsive to real needs as they arise. Please watch as we continue to grow, adapt, and empower our community through education, collaboration, and unwavering support.
My name is Heidi Harlfinger, I am a community safety advocate and the designer of the M.I.N.E. Curriculum. While I am not a medical professional, I have spent extensive time researching the structural gaps in how our justice system handles sexual violence, focusing heavily on Massachusetts forensic standards and the neurobiology of trauma. I developed this co-educational framework to bridge the gap between what the law requires to convict perpetrators and what our population actually knows about preserving evidence and supporting peers in a crisis. Having worked with hundreds of women in recovery, one fact remains constant: they have all been sexually assaulted. This trauma has created a lifetime of shame, fear, and anger. A person who has been sexually assaulted is 10 times more likely to die by suicide. That is a staggering statistic, especially since they are not at fault.
Mission
To empower survivors and at-risk individuals through comprehensive forensic literacy and compassionate crisis support, fostering a community of resilience and shared understanding. Forensic literacy is the bridge between trauma and justice. We provide essential educational resources that equip survivors with the knowledge to navigate the legal system, understand evidence collection, and reclaim their narrative with confidence and clarity.