Send us Fan Mail “He never harmed my core. He harmed all the outer layers of me, but my core was still intact.” ~ Dr. Sandra Evers People saw an accomplished professor speaking on international stages. They couldn't see the fear waiting for her at home. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sandra Evers, an anthropologist, researcher, and author whose story asks us to look beyond what we think we know about a woman’s life. Sandra spent her career listening to people whose voices were overlooked. Yet when she needed someone to hear her, she says her own truth was dismissed. She shares her account of domestic abuse, coercive control, and reaching out for help only to be disbelieved. We talk about how confidence can be worn down gradually, how shame can make speaking feel impossible, and why professional success does not reveal whether someone is safe behind closed doors. We also explore what Sandra calls “one-sided relational violence,” looking at the harm that reaches beyond a couple and into children, families, and wider relationships. What stayed with me was Sandra’s realization that, beneath everything she had endured, her core remained. “He never harmed my core. He harmed all the outer layers of me, but my core was still intact.” Sandra shares how someone from her past listened, helped her reach safety, and supported her as she rebuilt her life. Today, she is using her voice and her memoir, Children Taught Me to Speak, to open conversations she believes need to happen. If you have ever looked capable on the outside while struggling privately, I hope this conversation helps you feel seen. And if someone trusts you with their story, I hope it reminds you how much your willingness to listen can matter. Reach out to Dr. Sandra: https://www.sandrajtmevers.nl/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sandra-jtm-evers-106209347/?isSelfProfile=true Content note: This conversation includes accounts of domestic abuse. Subscribe to Women Like Me Media for honest conversations about women’s lives, voices, and lived wisdom. Learn more about my work at https://juliefairhurst.com. ✨ READY TO TURN YOUR STORY INTO AUTHORITY? I’m Julie Fairhurst - publisher, executive producer, story and sales strategist, and founder of Women Like Me Media. After 34 years in sales, helping approximately 3,000 clients, publishing more than 350 women’s stories, and hosting over 400 interviews, I know this: Your story is not simply something that happened to you. It is part of your wisdom, your credibility, and the work you are here to do. Whether you are ready to write your story, publish your book, strengthen your message, sell with greater confidence, or become more visible, I can help you take the next step. Your voice matters. Your experience has value. And you do not need to remain the best-kept secret in your industry. Visit https://juliefairhurst.com to explore coaching, publishing, podcast opportunities, and visibility programs. 🎙️ Subscribe to Women Like Me Stories & Business for honest conversations with women who are turning what they have lived and learned into purpose, leadership, and lasting impact. Julie Fairhurst Founder & CEO, Women Like Me Media Publisher • Executive Producer • Story & Sales Strategist Soft heart. Strong voice. Clear invitation. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
