Survivor to Run Across Rhode Island in Wedding Dress to Raise Awareness for Narcissistic Abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Survivor to Run Across Rhode Island in Wedding Dress to Raise Awareness for Narcissistic Abuse
Providence, RI – On May 30, 2025, Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker, advocate, author and survivor of narcissistic abuse, will undertake a transformative journey: running across the entire state of Rhode Island in a wedding dress to spotlight the hidden epidemic of narcissistic abuse. This symbolic run, starting in Foster and concluding in Providence, covering approximately 30 miles in a single day, is a powerful statement against the silent control and manipulation that victims endure. Through this act of resilience, Reiser aims to educate communities, empower survivors, and raise funds for her nonprofit, Tell A Therapist, which connects victims with specialized clinicians to support their healing journeys.
Location: J. Joseph Garrahy Judicial Complex at 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island
Date: May 30, 2025
Time: 2 PM Eastern
Narcissistic abuse, a form of domestic violence characterized by psychological manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional domination, often leaves scars that are invisible to the outside world. Unlike physical abuse, which may leave visible marks, narcissistic abuse erodes a victim’s sense of self, leaving them questioning their reality and worth. Reiser, who has dedicated her career to helping survivors reclaim their voices, understands this firsthand. “This run is about breaking the silence,” she says. “Narcissistic abuse thrives in the shadows, where victims feel isolated and unheard. I want survivors to know they’re not alone, that their pain is valid, and that healing is possible.” Her choice to run in a wedding dress—a garment often associated with love and commitment—underscores the betrayal inherent in abusive relationships, where promises of care mask control and harm.
The Rhode Island run is not just a physical challenge but a call to action. Reiser plans to make stops along the route to engage with local communities, share educational resources, and foster conversations about recognizing and addressing narcissistic abuse. From small towns to urban centers, she hopes to spark dialogue among residents, policymakers, and service providers, emphasizing the need for systemic change in how society responds to this form of domestic violence, especially within the family court system where victims are further traumatized by a judicial system that does not understand this insidious form of domestic violence or doesn’t care or both. Funds raised during the event will support Tell A Therapist’s mission to provide survivors with access to trauma-informed therapy, legal advocacy, and community support networks. By amplifying survivors’ stories and equipping clinicians with the tools to address narcissistic abuse, Reiser is building a movement that prioritizes healing and empowerment.
This run marks the latest chapter in Reiser’s remarkable history of advocacy through action. In 2021, she captured national attention when she ran 285 miles across New York State in a wedding dress, a 12-day journey from Oswego to Jay Hood Park in New York City. That run, covered by People Magazine, raised nearly $20,000 for domestic violence and brought unprecedented awareness to narcissistic abuse. Reiser’s New York run was more than a fundraiser; it was a personal testament to her survival. Having endured narcissistic abuse herself at the hands of a high-profile figure, she channeled her pain into purpose, using the run to reclaim her narrative and inspire others. The image of Reiser, running mile after mile in a flowing white dress, became a symbol of resilience, resonating with survivors across the country who saw their own struggles reflected in her determination.
Building on the success of her New York run, Reiser expanded her efforts to other states, each journey amplifying her message and extending her impact. In New Jersey, she ran from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean. Her Massachusetts run took her through historic towns and bustling cities. In Connecticut, she continued the momentum. Each run has been a testament to Reiser’s commitment to turning personal trauma into collective action, and each has drawn media attention, from local newspapers to national outlets, amplifying the conversation around narcissistic abuse.
What sets Reiser’s work apart is her ability to blend lived experience with professional expertise. As a licensed clinical social worker, she brings a deep understanding of trauma and recovery to her advocacy. Her nonprofit, Tell A Therapist, was born out of her recognition that survivors of narcissistic abuse often struggle to find clinicians who understand the unique dynamics of their experiences. Unlike traditional domestic violence, which may focus on physical harm, narcissistic abuse requires a nuanced approach that addresses gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and the long-term erosion of self-esteem. Tell A Therapist trains clinicians to recognize these patterns and equips them with evidence-based strategies to support survivors, while also providing survivors with direct access to vetted therapists. The funds raised from Reiser’s runs, including the upcoming Rhode Island event, directly support this mission, ensuring that no survivor is left to navigate their healing journey alone.
The Rhode Island run holds special significance for Reiser, as it marks a return to a state known for its tight-knit communities and progressive approach to social issues. She sees Rhode Island as a microcosm of the broader fight against narcissistic abuse—a place where grassroots efforts can have an outsized impact. By running, Reiser hopes to connect with residents who may not yet recognize narcissistic abuse in their own lives or communities.
Reiser’s story is one of transformation, but it’s also a stark reminder of the challenges survivors face. Her own experience with narcissistic abuse, which she has shared publicly, involved a high-profile individual whose manipulative tactics left her emotionally and financially depleted. The wedding dress she wears during her runs is a nod to the promises that were broken in that relationship—a symbol of the love she thought she had, juxtaposed against the reality of control and betrayal. By running in that dress, Reiser reclaims its meaning, turning a symbol of pain into one of empowerment. Her story, as detailed in outlets like People magazine, has resonated with countless survivors who see parallels in their own lives, from the subtle gaslighting to the overt domination that characterizes narcissistic abuse.
The broader context of narcissistic abuse adds urgency to Reiser’s work. Studies estimate that 1 in 10 individuals will experience some form of psychological abuse in their lifetime, with narcissistic abuse often going unrecognized due to its covert nature. Victims may spend years in relationships—romantic, familial, or professional—before realizing the extent of the manipulation they’ve endured. The psychological toll can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a fractured sense of self. Reiser’s runs aim to bridge this gap in awareness, educating the public and professionals alike about the red flags of narcissistic abuse and the pathways to recovery. Her work aligns with growing calls for reform in how domestic violence is addressed, from legal protections to therapeutic interventions, emphasizing that emotional abuse is just as damaging as physical harm.
This year, as Reiser prepares for her Rhode Island run, she’s calling on the media to join her in amplifying this critical issue especially at the finish line because there is a new initiative this year. We are going to be wrapping up the run at the family court in Providence and this is because the underbelly of narcissistic abuse is the darkness and corruption that riddles family courts all over the world. Coverage of the event, whether through interviews, live reporting, or feature stories, will help shine a light on narcissistic abuse and its impact on individuals and communities. Journalists are invited to attend the run, follow her progress from start to finish in person or on the “Strava” app, or arrange pre-event interviews to delve deeper into her story and mission. Supporters can also get involved by donating to Tell A Therapist, sharing updates on social media, or organizing local events to coincide with the run. Reiser’s team is available to coordinate logistics, provide background materials, or facilitate connections with survivors and clinicians who can speak to the issue’s broader implications.
The Rhode Island run is more than a physical feat; it’s a rallying cry for change. By running across the state in a wedding dress, Vanessa Reiser is challenging society to see narcissistic abuse for what it is: a pervasive, destructive force that demands attention and action. Her journey is a testament to the power of survivors to reclaim their stories and build a future where no one suffers in silence. Join her on May 30, 2025 at 2 PM Eastern, as she runs for awareness, for healing, and for hope.
About Vanessa Reiser
Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, advocate, and author dedicated to combating narcissistic abuse. Through her nonprofit, Tell A Therapist, and her awareness runs across multiple states, she empowers survivors and educates communities about the realities of psychological abuse. Her work has been featured in People magazine and other national outlets, making her a leading voice in the fight against domestic violence.
