When the body feels like a “crime scene”, how do you heal? Listen as Jane and Marlee Liss discuss healing after sexual violence, reconnecting with your body, why the court system so often fails survivors, and how restorative justice and a rethink of masculinity could offer a better path forward. Marlee Liss is an award-winning speaker, leading survivor advocate, author and somatic educator. Her personal survivor case set precedent in the North American legal system, and in 2024 she founded Survivors 4 Justice Reform, a global, volunteer-run, survivor-led coalition that works to advance policy change that challenges the failures and violence of punitive, carceral systems. Marlee shares how writing became central to her healing, from late-night scribbling to get the feelings out of her body, to a way of connecting with others. Her forthcoming book, If I Had Known Then (February 9th 2027), follows her experience of healing and fighting for justice after trauma. This was a conversation we were looking forward to for months, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. This is a 20-minute preview The full 40-minute episode goes deeper into accountability, breaking cycles of violence, and rethinking masculinity. To hear it, become a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts or on Substack. As always, take care as you listen. This episode explores sexual violence, the criminal legal system, and alternative justice pathways, we have resources available in the show notes below. Key Topics 00:22 - Expanding the conversation01:04 - Writing after trauma03:01 - Storytelling and empathy04:23 - Dance: Detachment & reconnection07:06 - Somatic healing: Our bodies have wisdom11:46 - How the criminal legal system fails survivors16:23 - We don't have to be complacent18:37 - Justice doesn’t look the same for all survivors19:30 - Survivors 4 Justice Reform Links and Mentions Marlee's memoir, If I Had Known Then, releases February 2027 with Penguin Random House. Follow @marleeliss for more. Visit Marlee's website to download her free justice resource Find out more about Survivors 4 Justice Reform Instagram: @survivors4justicereform Join the coalition: www.survivors4justicereform.com/join Further Listening Check out The Defendants Episode 3 - The Perfect Victim: thedefendants.substack.com/episode-3-the-perfect-victim Or, Episode 6 - I Went Through the Justice System and All I Got was a Branded Stress Ball: thedefendants.substack.com/episode-6-i-went-through-the-justice Support This Project YOU are how this project will grow. By listening you are helping new ideas and conversations take shape - both on the podcast, amongst your friends and beyond. Thank you for being here. If our conversation with Marlee resonated with you, or if you learnt something new, here are a few of the ways you can support us: Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5 star review - it helps more people discover the show Become a paid Substack subscriber. Access bonus episodes, subscriber only content and feel extra good knowing that your paid support helps us to continue the conversations we're having. Make a one-time donation. Visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedefendants Share with a friend and help grow the conversation Get in Touch We’d love to hear from you. Do you have a question or an idea for the show? A story you’d like to share? Is there a person, organisation or business you think we should connect with? Email: defendantspodoutreach@protonmail.com Instagram: @thedefendantspodcast | @jane_aster_roe Media Appearances: daltonhiggins@gmail.com Resources for Survivors SA Survivor Resource Document - This document contains Canadian, U.S, and global sources to find guidance, information, and aid for survivors of sexual assault. Detailed descriptions of each resource within the document. Our Team Jane Aster Roe - Executive Producer, Host Rachel Arundel - Executive Producer, Creative Director Katie Jensen - Executive Producer, Editor, Sound Designer Dawson Fleming - Production Assistant Thank you for listening. Be kind to yourself and to one another.
