Can You Hear Me?

The Survivors Trust

A podcast hosted by The Survivors Trust's Lucy Duckworth⁠ and ⁠comedian Mark O'Sullivan who are on a mission ⁠to make conversations about sexual violence easier.

Episodes

  1. Dr. Elly Hanson: The Harms of the Online Sex Industry

    02/06/2025

    Dr. Elly Hanson: The Harms of the Online Sex Industry

    TW: Discussion of sexual violence, child abuse, pornography, and exploitation, including details of online platforms and their practices. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this episode, we discuss the concerning realities of the online sex industry, with our guest,Dr. Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist specialising in preventing and tackling sexual abuse and exploitation. Elly left us speechless on more than one occasion with her incredible insight into the harmful dynamics at play in pornography, particularly the objectification and exploitation facilitated by platforms like OnlyFans and PornHub. We delve into how the marketing of sex as a commodity affects both adults and children, the links between pornography consumption and harmful sexual behaviors, and the urgent need for regulation and societal change. Since recording, afurther OnlyFans exposé by Reuters reveals that the platform subcontracts its content moderation to workers in war-torn Ukraine. They are recruited by the ‘almost untraceable’ company StopFraud with whom OnlyFans has a shadowy relationship. Reuters cites content moderation experts who agreed that OnlyFans’ claim of blanket human review is implausible, and when Reuters spoke to several former StopFraud workers, they described clandestine working conditions, including the use of nondisclosure agreements and only knowing their colleagues by nickname. Companies’ reports to Ofcom are shared publicly, but in OnlyFans documentation, details of their content moderation have been redacted. X now states that it shields pornography from children, but this appears tosignificantly rely on children stating that they’re children and the people posting porn labelling their content as such. They will need to implement proper Age Verification within the UK by the summer of 2025. Episode Highlights: 02:11 Defining harm in the context of sexual abuse and exploitation 04:16 The marketing of sex and the rise of OnlyFans as "ethical porn" 06:03 Discussing pornography with children: following the money and business models 13:08 The link between pornography consumption and harmful sexual behaviors, including peer-on-peer abuse 28:00 The global reach of OnlyFans and its staggering growth Referenced in the episode: Gail Dines' work on human rights and sexuality Children's Commissioner's research on young people's perceptions of sexual violence Reuters OnlyFans Exposed special reports This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by Lucy Lucraft and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

    47 min

  2. 01/21/2025

    Unpacking the Home Secretary's Statement on Child Sexual Abuse

    Disclaimer: CW: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and exploitation, including specific cases and cover-ups. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956. In this episode, we discuss the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA) and the recent developments following the Home Secretary's statement in Parliament. Lucy Duckworth, a survivor and advocate, shares her insights on the inquiry's findings, the importance of implementing its recommendations, and the need for greater awareness and action to protect children from sexual abuse. Episode Highlights: 02:00: Lucy Duckworth explains the context of the Home Secretary's statement. 04:00: The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA) and its 20 key recommendations. 09:00: Mandatory reporting for those in a position of trust. 13:00: The Church of England's new leader and safeguarding. 18:00: The importance of not focusing on individual cases and recognizing the full scale of child sexual abuse. Mentioned in the episode: The Survivors Trust ICSA This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by Lucy Lucraft and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

    28 min
  3. John O'Brien: The problem with public inquiries

    12/25/2024

    John O'Brien: The problem with public inquiries

    Today we chat to John O'Brien, who served as secretary to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of establishing a public inquiry from logistical hurdles to the crucial task of building trust with survivors. John sheds light on the secretary's role, the essential groundwork needed for such an undertaking, and the vital role of independent reviews. The conversation explores the cultural shifts needed to prevent child sexual abuse, the urgency of implementing the inquiry's recommendations, and the long-term commitment required to protect future generations. Despite the challenges, John shares reasons for hope, emphasizing the impact of continued advocacy and unwavering support for strong child protection measures. Episode Highlights: 03:08 Role and Responsibilities of a Secretary 07:15 Building Relationships and Reaching Out 09:50 Deciding the Inquiry's Focus 17:51 Common Failures in Institutions 21:57 Importance of National Inquiries 28:18 Implementing Recommendations and Legislation 32:23 Future Steps and Optimism This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. Podcast production and cover art by Lucy Lucraft.

    45 min
  4. The Church's Dirty Secrets: Justin Welby Resigns

    12/19/2024

    The Church's Dirty Secrets: Justin Welby Resigns

    TW: This episode contains descriptions of physical and emotional abuse, including the use of corporal punishment on children and young adults. It also discusses themes of religious manipulation and institutional betrayal. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this episode, we discuss the recent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the systemic issues within the Church of England related to child abuse cover-ups. We talk about the years of abuse by priests (including former , the church's failure to report or adequately address these crimes, and how senior management, including Welby, facilitated the abuses. The conversation highlights the need for mandatory reporting and external oversight of safeguarding in religious institutions. The episode also delves into the broader implications for societal trust in these institutions and the urgent need for government intervention. Episode Highlights: 01:18 The Church of England Scandal Overview 02:11 Details of Abuse and Cover-Up 04:16 Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby’s Resignation and Response 06:03 Impact on Victims and Public Reaction 09:45 Government and Institutional Accountability 13:08 Call for Action and Reforms Referenced in the episode: ⁠The Independent review into the Church of England’s handling of allegations against the late John Smyth QC led by Keith Makin⁠ ⁠Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury⁠ ⁠https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp352g597xwo⁠ ⁠Publication of Jay Review _(Future of Church Safeguarding Report from Professor Alexis Jay)_⁠ This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by ⁠Lucy Lucraft⁠ and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956

    15 min
  5. BONUS - The One Where We are Incensed

    12/19/2024 ·  Bonus

    BONUS - The One Where We are Incensed

    TW: This episode contains descriptions of physical and emotional abuse. It also discusses themes of religious manipulation and institutional betrayal. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this bonus episode, we discuss the recent revelations surrounding the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, and his failure to adequately address child abuse allegations within the Church of England. This news comes just weeks after the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, for similar reasons. Episode Highlights: 00:01:18 - The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, failed to act on reports of child sexual abuse by a priest.   00:02:11 - Details of the abuse and cover-up by the church, including moving the abuser to different parishes. 00:04:16 - Discussion of a BBC File on Four program about the abuser, David Tudor. 00:06:03 - A shocking interview with a local official who downplays the abuse due to its historical nature. 00:09:45 - The church's inadequate safeguarding measures and the ongoing pattern of abuse and cover-ups. 00:13:08 - The impact on victims and the need for accountability and reform within the church. Referenced in the episode: BBC File on Four program on David Tudor (aired December 17th, 2024) BBC Today program interview with Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley (aired December 16th, 2024)   The Church of England’s Statement on BBC File on Four program on David Tudor This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by ⁠Lucy Lucraft⁠ and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

    18 min
  6. What does it mean? Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

    12/11/2024

    What does it mean? Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

    TW: This episode contains a discussion of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 This episode explores the groundbreaking Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), a landmark investigation that ran from 2015 to 2022. We discuss the inquiry's deep dive into institutional failings and its crucial recommendations for preventing child sexual abuse. Shockingly, the government has yet to implement any of these vital recommendations. We also examine the wider societal impact of sexual violence and stress the urgent need for action on the IICSA's findings to better protect children. Episode Highlights: 02:06 Origins and Purpose of IICSA 03:44 Scope and Challenges of the Inquiry 06:25 Findings and Recommendations 09:01 Impact and Importance of ICSA This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

    14 min
  7. What does it mean? 'Whose responsibility is it?'

    12/11/2024

    What does it mean? 'Whose responsibility is it?'

    TW: this episode contains a discussion of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 This episode tackles the critical need to speak openly about child sexual abuse and we ask the question, “whose responsibility is it?” We explore how societal taboos and a lack of honest conversations create an environment where abuse can thrive and we discuss how everyone – from governments and tech companies to individuals – has a role to play in creating a safer world for children. Episode Highlights: 02:16 The Reality of Child Sexual Abuse 03:25 Calling Out Inappropriate Behavior 08:27 Educating Children About Their Bodies 10:35 Teaching Respect and Consent 17:10 The Role of Society and Technology This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. Podcast production and cover art by Lucy Lucraft.

    17 min
  8. What does it mean? Our language around sexual violence

    12/11/2024

    What does it mean? Our language around sexual violence

    TW: This episode contains a discussion of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 This episode explores how the language we use around sexual violence can impact survivors. We delve into the concept of trauma-informed communication, emphasizing the importance of choosing our words carefully to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Episode Highlights: 02:27 Discussing Language Around Sexual Violence 03:15 Victim vs. Survivor Terminology 04:05 Personal Experiences and Societal Perceptions 07:28 Media Representation and Language 13:39 The Problem with 'Historical' Abuse 17:11 Healthcare Language and Trust Issues This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. Podcast Production & Cover Art by Lucy Lucraft

    19 min

  9. 12/09/2024

    Introducing the Can You Hear Me? Podcast!

    TW: This podcast contains discussions of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this introductory episode of the Can You Hear Me? podcast, The Survivors Trust's Lucy Duckworth and comedian (and TST ambassador) Mark O'Sullivan tell you our mission to make conversations about sexual violence easier. There are so many questions that people are, understandably, afraid to ask and that's why Can You Hear Me? will be a safe space, where we can talk about it, ask the difficult questions, and maybe even find some answers. We are both survivors of childhood sexual abuse and we can't wait to interview amazing guests who have expertise and experience in this subject to face an issue which has been called a national emergency, yet feels a conversation many people are unwilling or unable to have. New episodes are released every Wednesday. This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by Lucy Lucraft and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

    2 min

Trailer

About

A podcast hosted by The Survivors Trust's Lucy Duckworth⁠ and ⁠comedian Mark O'Sullivan who are on a mission ⁠to make conversations about sexual violence easier.

Information

  • Creator
    The Survivors Trust
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Survivors Trust
  • Show Website
    Can You Hear Me?