🎙️ In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Jeremy Indika – a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and founder of Something to Say. Jeremy bravely shares his story of being groomed as a child, the confusion and silence that followed, and why so many survivors don’t come forward until much later in life. Together, Andy and Jeremy explore the myths around abuse, the challenges survivors face when seeking justice, and what carers, teachers, and professionals can do to better support those affected. Whether you support children, teach, care for others, or want to understand more about trauma and healing, this is an essential listen. 💡 Sponsor Message:This episode is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK – the UK’s number one carers card offering discounts, support, and community connections for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Whether you are a paid or unpaid caregiver, Carers Card UK provides valuable benefits such as: Discounts on gym memberships, days out, electrical goods, clothing, and more. Access to a wellbeing hub, Carers Circle tool, and a supportive community through their app. An ID card that you can carry with pride. Let others know you care – while taking a little care of yourself. Visit carerscarduk.co.uk to learn more and order your card today! 📝 Key Topics Covered in This Episode: 🔇 Breaking the Silence on Childhood Sexual Abuse:Jeremy shares his personal story of abuse, the silence that followed, and the emotional confusion survivors often face. 🧠 Understanding Trauma Responses and Delayed Disclosure:How grooming works, why victims sometimes don’t see it as abuse at the time, and the long journey to finding words for what happened. ⚖️ Barriers to Justice & Why Survivors Stay Silent:From lack of evidence to emotional shutdown – Jeremy and Andy discuss the painful reality of reporting abuse and being believed. 🛠️ Supporting Survivors – What We Can Do Better:How educators, carers, and parents can create safe spaces for young people to disclose – and why our reactions matter. 💬 Key Takeaways: ✅ Survivors don’t always look or act how you’d expect – many are high-functioning, smiling, and hiding trauma in plain sight.✅ Education is everything – when we understand grooming and trauma, we’re better equipped to spot red flags and support disclosure.✅ Stories have power – by sharing his, Jeremy is breaking shame and helping others speak their truth. 📚 Further Resources: Something to Say Project – jeremyindika.com Able Hub – Access resources for carers, parents, and educators at ablehub.uk Targeting the Positive – Andy’s book on understanding and managing behaviour ⏳ Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction: Meet Jeremy Indika[02:25] – Jeremy’s story: Growing up and the first signs of grooming[06:00] – Why children don’t always realise they’re being abused[08:45] – Andy and Jeremy on how silence becomes survival[11:10] – The emotional confusion of being abused by someone you trust[13:40] – What prompted Jeremy to finally speak out[16:05] – The justice system: Why prosecution is so difficult[18:30] – Why male survivors especially find it hard to come forward[20:40] – What grooming really looks like – and what to watch for[23:15] – The power of listening without judgement[26:00] – What professionals and parents can do better[29:05] – Jeremy’s message to survivors: “You’re not alone”[31:00] – Final reflections and where to find more from Jeremy 📲 Connect with Us!🔗 Instagram: @AbleToCarePodcast🔗 LinkedIn: @AbleTraining🔗 TikTok: @AbleToCare🔗 Website: AbleHub.uk 🎧 Subscribe & Share!If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share with someone who needs to hear it, and leave us a review. Let’s build a community where stories like Jeremy’s can be heard, honoured, and used to change lives.
