LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support has launched an initiative, inspired by the efforts of performer Demi Sutra, that will offer free therapy to industry members who have experienced sexual abuse or assault.
The organization will provide six free one-on-one sessions with specialized therapists and has created a support page that debunks myths and provides facts about rape and sexual assault.
Sutra reached out to Pineapple Support regarding her initiative and created an online fundraiser for the project that has generated over $10,000.
"I originally wanted to gather a group of people and fans to donate to Pineapple so that we could somehow provide an even easier path into therapy,” explained Sutra. "While this idea was good, Pineapple created an even better one after we spoke. When they messaged me, explaining their new program specifically catered to survivors of sexual assault, I wept. I am in deep gratitude and I have a lot of hope and faith in their new program, and I can't wait to find more ways to continue to be involved and help others."
Leya Tanit, the group's founder, felt compelled to marshal the resources of Pineapple Support to the cause.
"The stories of the survivors who have come forward in recent weeks have been heartbreaking," she said. "While this is not a new issue, it made it an imperative to address head-on."
"Rape and sexual abuse are extremely common," she continued. "One in five women in the U.S. experience some kind of sexual abuse in their lifetime, but it’s not limited to them, of course. Assault, abuse and trauma can happen no matter what your gender."
Click here for additional details and follow Pineapple Support on Twitter for the latest updates.
Donate to Sutra's fundraiser here; view a video clip about the initiative featuring Abigail Mac and Sutra here.
Pineapple Support was founded in 2018. The organization, a registered nonprofit in the United States and a registered charity in the United Kingdom, has connected over 1,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.
