On Drowning Rats: How Two Women Took Down A Sexual Harasser and How You Can Too

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Part memoir, part step-by-step guide, On Drowning Rats: How Two Women Took Down A Sexual Harasser and How You Can Too tells the triumphant story of Rachel Richardson and Cami Roth Szirotnyak, two women who discovered they were sexually harassed by the same man (one of the most prominent nonprofit founders and fundraisers in Toledo, OH), and how they successfully—and publicly—sought justice.

Cami and Rachel detail their journey that began with a chance meeting online. Through sharing their stories of harassment–and uncovering even more women harassed by the same man–they knew they had to do something to bring their harasser out of power and take away his ability to harm even more.

But how does one do that? On Drowning Rats answers that question.

Detailed documentation. Countless conversations. Changing relationships. It can be a harrowing process, but the authors aim to empower readers who may have been harassed or know someone who has been harassed on how to find accountability, justice, and even a strong community–paving the path to healing.

The book draws on the authors’ own lived experiences, as well as the anecdotes of prominent leaders, experts, and everyday human beings. Readers will better understand what harassment can look like, how and when to speak up, how to support themselves and loved ones through the process, and much more. Cami and Rachel’s memoirs, two deeply real and relatable tales dotted with humor and personality, give a behind-the-scenes look at their challenging experience in a way that makes this book much more than a manual.

On Drowning Rats comes with a workbook to help readers easily take real action to save themselves and begin reshaping how we approach harassment in the world.

Your book is a masterpiece. It’s beautifully written, it’s inspiring, and every woman should have one. I laughed with you, I fist-pumped with you, but I also cried with you…What you’ve done is powerful.

Danielle

This is captivating and amazing…I really have a better idea fact/story-wise of the journey you went on fighting this battle and writing the book! I honestly love it!!

Michelle

Media Interviews

Click an item below to learn more.

Toledo City Paper

April 28, 2023

Toledo Blade

May 3, 2023

Buckeye Community Arts Network

July 15, 2023

13abc Action News

April 4, 2023

WNWO NBC24

April 5, 2023

WKAT 106.1 FM and Glass City Humanist Podcast

April 19, 2023

Q 96.5 FM

April 19, 2023

Q 96.5 FM

March 21, 2022

Toledo City Paper

May 27, 2022

WNWO NBC24

September 14, 2022

13abc News

October 3, 2021

Toledo Blade

October 3, 2021

WTOL News

October 5, 2021

13abc Action News

October 5, 2021

YouTube

On Drowning Rats: How Two Women Took Down a Sexual Harasser and How You Can Too

Rachel Richardson

Rachel Richardson is a veteran jazz and folk singer, guitarist, aspiring comedy writer with one short film under her belt, and a lifelong community activist. As a professional advocate for victims of domestic violence, she co-founded Independent Advocates in 2007, which produced a Court Watch Report in 2011 recommending a Domestic Violence Court in Lucas County.

As the founder and CEO of Art Corner Toledo (ACT), she has coordinated nearly 60 murals in downtown Toledo and surrounding neighborhoods. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Non-Profit Management from the University of Toledo.

Under her business, Girl Parts Publishing & Productions (https://girlpartspp.com/), she and her family co-wrote and illustrated Just Worms for Dinner in 2020, a children’s book and call to arms to collect worms for Donald Trump to eat in prison.

She was a longtime columnist for the Toledo Free Press Star, published in Death Never Dies (2021) -an award-winning anthology by Lee Fearnside, and SWELL Magazine, to be released in early 2023.

Rachel is a product of Toledo, Ohio. Mom to Naima. Wife to Yusuf.

About The Authors

Cami Roth Szirotnyak

Cami Roth Szirotnyak is a published writer, policy consultant, and life coach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lourdes University, a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Owens-Illinois, Inc, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

In 2017, she was named a recipient of the region’s 20 Under 40 award for her public service and volunteerism around women’s empowerment and homelessness.

In 2022, she launched candy broth, a business that offers tools for individuals who want to interrupt the patriarchy themselves. Her latest project is Dinner With Racists, an antiracist flashcard deck designed to help white women thoughtfully and intentionally break with white solidarity in the workplace, at happy hour, and at family gatherings.

She and her husband and their many plant babies live in Toledo, Ohio, where she writes fiction and nonfiction on the floor of her office surrounded by crystals, incense, and an inordinate amount of music by Tori Amos, Mitski, Combo Chimbita, Shilpa Ray, and Patty Griffin.

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