Sexual Assault Survivor Stories

Dave Markel

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories -SASS- is a weekly podcast designed for the purpose of providing victims and survivors of sexual assault and rape information and a forum to better understand the complexities, adversities, victories, and all the dynamics of surviving and healing. But it's not just for victims and survivors! It's a podcast of learning about trauma-informed interviewing and the neuroscience of trauma and memory, understanding the victim impact of rape and sexual assault, knowing how to recognize the psychophysiological responses of interpersonal trauma, and developing healing strategies and best-practice responses for all of these components. And the main goal of the podcast is to help bring justice to victims and survivors, recognizing that the best way to do this is by talking about our experiences and spreading information...because we all know someone who has been affected by sexual assault or rape.

  1. 111. Jeanna Coursey; The Long Road to Freedom: Escaping Abuse and Finding Hope

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    111. Jeanna Coursey; The Long Road to Freedom: Escaping Abuse and Finding Hope

    The abuses started early for Jeanna…she was just a young middle-school aged girl growing up in a blended family after her mother and father divorced, and her mother re-married a woman with sons who were older than Jeanna. She missed her father and tells how missing him led to her longing for acceptance from men. One of her older stepbrothers took an un-natural interest in Jeanna, and started complimenting her, telling her she was beautiful, and paying an inordinate amount of attention to her. But Jeanna’s young age and naiveté didn’t recognize what was the brother was doing to her, and the grooming process filled that longing she had been experiencing since her father had left. And it wasn’t long before the sexual assault started. But, again, Jeanna’s awareness of the situation didn’t immediately recognize what was going on as being something wrong. So, the assaults continued until the touching made her feel more and more uncomfortable. But bring up the situation to her mother and step-mother didn’t really solve the problem; while the sexual assaults from this particular stepbrother stopped, the blaming and shame she received from her mother and stepmother was palpable. Fast forward several years…Jeanna, still feeling the desires of being wanted and important to older boys and men, fell for an older school mate. This relationship evolved over time to become intimate, and eventually Jeanna ended up marrying this older boy who, while at first treated her at least with some respect, later became suspicious, jealous, controlling, and abusive, both emotionally and sexually. As these dynamics progressed, so did her husbands mental illness. Jeanna learned through all of this that leaving these types of abuses can easily become a life-or-death decision, and that timing is everything. Listen to Jeanna’s episode and you’ll come to an understanding, like I did, of how strong and courageous Jeanna was to finally leave the marriage, take the appropriate steps to safeguard her children, and to better her and her family’s situation by going back to school to get her degree and improve her lifestyle. The healing journey continues. And Jeanna continues to help heal others, too! Thank you for being here to listen to Jeanna’s story. After you’ve heard this episode, please do all you can to share this episode with everyone you know. And also, to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Another big favor I would ask is that you rate and subscribe to this podcast. It all helps the podcast grow, which in turn helps bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. By the way, it would be immensely appreciated if you would take just a few seconds of your time to please find the sexualassaultsurvivorstories page on Instagram and hit the follow button!! Thank you for being part of my audience, and please become a regular listener and subscriber! A positive rating would also be greatly appreciated! Please check out all this very important sites and links: Here are some important links I hope you will take the time to explore and subscribe to also:   #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience

    1 ч. 9 мин.
  2. 112. Lee Cooper; From Trauma to Triumph: Building Victorious Voices

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    112. Lee Cooper; From Trauma to Triumph: Building Victorious Voices

    After a way too long wait for a follow-up interview with Lee Cooper, this week we finally get it done! Lee suggested a follow-up during a conversation we were having a few weeks ago…here it is! I’m thrilled to bring you this episode! In this conversation, Lee provides an update on his ongoing legal battle against his perpetrator, discussing the challenges he has faced within the UK justice system. He shares insights into the trauma of waiting for a trial and the difficulties of navigating police procedures. Additionally, Lee introduces Victorious Voices, a community he has built to support survivors of sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of connection and shared experiences in healing. Lee and I discuss the challenges and triumphs of the Victorious Voices project, which aims to give a voice to survivors of trauma through art. We got explore the impact of a recent exhibition at the University of Glasgow that faced controversy over the visibility of trauma-related art. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, education, and the need to confront difficult subjects like child sexual abuse (CSA) to normalize conversations around mental health and trauma. You’ll hear how the exhibit was moved from it’s prominent position of being the first exhibit visible upon enter the building, to a secluded, almost “Invisible” place, nowhere close to its original positioning. Lee wants an apology, not just an excuse for why the exhibit was moved. Here are the names and contact links for writing to personnel at the University of Glasgow in helping our demand for an apology to Lee and the persons depicted in the exhibit who showed their strength and bravery in being photographed for the exhibit: There’s also a petition…and although the exhibit is over and gone, we’re asking for your help in the hope that the University will respond by allowing Lee’s exhibit to be displayed again! Please sign the petition by going to the link . In this episode, Lee and I talked about two people in particular who he has become friends with who have also been on this show: Scarlett Robison (Episodes 51 thru 53) and Plaman Dragenov (Episode 70). Again, I encourage you to listen to these episodes, as they are powerful, emotional, and educational! Thank you for being here to listen to Lee’s follow-up interview. After you’ve heard this episode, please do all you can to share this episode with everyone you know. And also, to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Another big favor I would ask is that you rate and subscribe to this podcast. It all helps the podcast grow, which in turn helps bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. By the way, it would be immensely appreciated if you would take just a few seconds of your time to please find the sexualassaultsurvivorstories page on Instagram and hit the follow button!! Thank you for being part of my audience, and please become a regular listener and subscriber! A positive rating would also be greatly appreciated! Here are the links you might be interested in, again, in case the hyperlinks don’t work: And other links I hope you’ll take the time to look at:   #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience

    47 мин.
  3. 113. Melissa Fairchild; Gratitude and Celebration are the Focus of Her Healing: An Apropos Episode for This Week!

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    113. Melissa Fairchild; Gratitude and Celebration are the Focus of Her Healing: An Apropos Episode for This Week!

    It’s not at all common for me to do follow-up episodes so close together in the sequence of episodes, but this opportunity is so meaningful and appropriate this week that I just had to share it with you now, instead of sometime down the line. So, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Melissa Fairchild is back (take a listen to her first episode on the show: Episode 96!) to give us an update on her healing journey. As you’ll hear in the episode, this wasn’t really planned—it just sort of happened when she called me a few days ago to say hi, check in, and wish me a Happy Thanksgiving. I suddenly felt inspired to ask if she’d like to record a follow-up interview to bring you all up to date on how her healing has been progressing, and she readily agreed. I had no idea that what she would end up describing would evolve into what I consider the perfect Thanksgiving episode, but that’s exactly what happened. And it’s all because of Melissa’s incredible spirit, her loving and generous heart, and her volunteer work to support those who are less fortunate than many of us and have endured horrendous traumas. This has turned into a powerfully appropriate episode for this week…again, Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for being here to listen to Melissa’s follow-up conversation. After you’ve heard this episode, please share it with everyone you know. Also, start by believing whenever you hear someone telling their rape or sexual assault survivor story, because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by these traumas. Another big favor I’d ask is that you rate and subscribe to this podcast. It all helps the podcast grow, which, in turn, helps bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. By the way, it would be immensely appreciated if you would take just a few seconds to find the sexualassaultsurvivorstories page on Instagram and hit the follow button! Thank you for being part of my audience, and please become a regular listener and subscriber. You are all a huge part of what I am thankful for this year! So, thank you for your loyalty. Here are some important collaborators whose websites I hope you’ll check out and support. Spread the word about the work each of these organizations does—you’ll be helping to bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault! Thank you!   https://evawintl.org/ https://www.survivorlawyer.com/ #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #jessicapride #survivorlawyer #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience

    27 мин.
  4. 114. Bonus Episode featuring Jan Broberg!-AJ; The Impact of Community Support, Providing Strength in the Healing Process

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    114. Bonus Episode featuring Jan Broberg!-AJ; The Impact of Community Support, Providing Strength in the Healing Process

    In this deeply moving episode, I am joined by a friend of the podcast and host of The Jan Broberg Show, none other than Jan herself, to help interview AJ, a brave survivor who shares her extraordinary journey of overcoming extensive abuse and discovering her own strength. Together, the three of us explore the vital role of community support in the healing process, with a special focus on the Thrivivors community, which has been an integral part of AJ's recovery. The conversation delves into AJ's personal journey, examining the profound impact of childhood trauma on her development and the coping mechanisms she had to create in order to survive. AJ’s story opens a window into the often hidden world of familial abuse and trafficking, shedding light on the long-term effects of trauma and the toxic façade of normalcy that can sometimes surround abusive families. The discussion also touches on the critical importance of trauma-informed care and how sharing one’s story can be a powerful tool for healing and empowering others. Throughout the episode, Jan, myself, and AJ emphasize how deeply childhood trauma and abuse can affect mental health, personal identity, and relationships. AJ courageously shares her harrowing experiences of being trafficked and abused, highlighting her struggle with complex PTSD and the difficult but necessary journey toward healing and self-acceptance. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the complexities of navigating trust in relationships, particularly the challenge of reframing relationships with abusers—especially when those abusers are family members—in order to heal. The episode concludes with a heartfelt focus on recovery, self-love, and the ongoing journey of healing. AJ’s resilience and determination to tell her story serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of survivors and the importance of community and support. This episode of S.A.S.S. is dedicated to those who share their stories and to those who listen and learn from them. Both Jan and I extend our heartfelt thanks to AJ for bravely sharing her incredibly difficult story and for being a powerful force in this conversation. AJ’s strength and determination to get her story out there are truly inspiring, and her journey toward healing continues to serve as a beacon of hope for others. S.A.S.S.--Normalizing the Conversation.™️ Thank you for being here to listen to AJ’s interview. After you’ve heard this episode, please do all you can to share this episode with everyone you know. And also, to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Another big favor I would ask is that you rate and subscribe to this podcast. It all helps the podcast grow, which in turn helps bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. By the way, it would be immensely appreciated if you would take just a few seconds of your time to please find the sexualassaultsurvivorstories page on Instagram and hit the follow button!! Thank you for being part of my audience, and please become a regular listener and subscriber! A positive rating would also be greatly appreciated!  Here are some important links I hope you’ll take the time to look at:   #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation

    1 ч. 7 мин.
  5. 115. Dave Markel; Trauma Talk – Expounding on the Basics

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    115. Dave Markel; Trauma Talk – Expounding on the Basics

    The week leading up to this episode has been rather strange for me, because it included two potential guest appearances that didn’t come together as planned. But that’s okay, because it provided the opportunity for me to do something I had been wanting to do for months: a monologue follow-up on Episode 21 from over a year ago. Something else you should know: I’m not one of those hosts who uses the podcast notes to summarize the podcast in an outline format, point by point. I’d rather just give a brief explanation of the topic and then let you listen to the episode for the details. So, there you have it. I hope this episode educates, informs, enlightens, and helps each one of you understand more of the dynamics of the neurological and psychological impacts of rape and sexual assault trauma. And as always, here are some important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about. Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, and please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It all helps the show grow. Which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence rate of the rape culture that surrounds us all. Thanks again!       #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation

    14 мин.
  6. 116. Jeanna Coursey: A Quick Turn-around to Examine the Impact of Trauma

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    116. Jeanna Coursey: A Quick Turn-around to Examine the Impact of Trauma

    Jeanna is one of my most loyal listeners of this podcast…when she originally found Sexual Assault Survivor Stories she was so enthralled by the content that she binge-listened to every single episode. That’s impressive listening. Then, she wrote me a nice, long, kind, email telling me about some of her favorite episodes. And she told me she wanted to speak with me.  So we had a great phone conversation. Not long afterward, she told me she was ready to come on the show and tell her sexual assault and rape stories. So we did that. Episode 111. You’ll not want to miss it. Then, last week I posted Episode 115…a solo episode of me talking about the neuroscience of trauma, and how sexual trauma impacts our brains and our bodies. Jeanna listened to it then almost immediately reached out to me to ask if we could do another episode because she had some insights of her own that she wanted to share with the SASS audience about how sexual trauma had impacted her. What a remarkable episode this is…I truly appreciate Jeanna’s insights and her desire to come back on the show and discuss with me her thoughts and impressions. This is definitely an episode that you will grow and heal from. I highly recommend listening. Additionally, both Jeanna and I would love to hear your impressions of our discussion, and the impact of this episode on your healing and learning processes. My email address is below. Thank you! Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, and please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It all helps the show grow. Which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence rate of the rape culture that surrounds us all. And as always, here are some important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about. Thanks again!   #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation

    25 мин.
  7. 117. Janna MacLean; The Mask of Kindness: Unmasking a Sexual Predator

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    117. Janna MacLean; The Mask of Kindness: Unmasking a Sexual Predator

    This week's episode delves into the harrowing story of Janna, who at the beginning of this story was a young high schooler who fell prey to a manipulative groomer. This individual, initially presenting himself as a kind, attentive, and compassionate confidante, captivated Janna with his charm. Unfortunately, these qualities often mask a predatory nature, as charm can be a powerful tool for sexual predators. Such was the case of this predator.  Janna, seeking solace and understanding during a difficult period marked by anxiety episodes, found an attentive ear in this individual. His support fostered a sense of connection, leading Janna to hope for a deeper, more meaningful relationship. However, this "support" was merely a calculated ploy, a tactic to gain Janna's trust and gradually isolate her.  The groomer, using manipulative tactics, consistently delayed the progression of their relationship, citing a need for time and contemplation. This period of uncertainty intensified the grooming process, allowing the predator to gradually exert greater control over Janna's emotions and erode her self-confidence. Beneath the façade of kindness and consideration lay a cunning manipulator. His affection fluctuated dramatically, amplified when his sexual desires were met and swiftly withdrawn when they weren't. This pattern of intermittent reinforcement created a cycle of dependence and emotional turmoil for Janna. The manipulation resulted in a series of sexual assaults, culminating in a devastating act of rape. Throughout these traumatic experiences, the rapist systematically gaslighted Janna, convincing her that she had willingly consented to all sexual encounters. He cruelly dismissed her doubts and confusion as figments of her imagination, further eroding her sense of self-worth. Ultimately, the rapist succeeded in shifting the blame, convincing Janna that she was the abuser, the manipulator. This insidious tactic of victim-blaming is a common strategy employed by perpetrators to evade accountability for their heinous actions. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of predatory grooming and the devastating impact it can have on young, vulnerable individuals. And it highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of manipulation and cultivating healthy boundaries in relationships. Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. Also, please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It all helps the show grow. Which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence of rape culture that surrounds us all. And as always, here are some important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about. Thanks again!   #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation

    1 ч. 6 мин.
  8. 118. Janna MacLean, Part 2: Understanding Implicit and Explicit Memories—Powerful Realities!

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    118. Janna MacLean, Part 2: Understanding Implicit and Explicit Memories—Powerful Realities!

    This week's episode is an exciting example of a topic I’ve discussed numerous times on this show: implicit and explicit memory—what these are, and how they work together to provide a powerful impact in finding out more about a survivors rape and sexual assault experiences…IF the person doing the interview is trauma informed and knows how to ask the right questions in the right ways. The resultant responses can provide more than a person doing the interview ever dreamed possible!  Last week’s guest, Janna MacLean, reached out to me just two days after her original episode recording to tell me that what I had warned her about, how talking about her rape and sexual assault experiences could and probably would activate implicit memories…memories she didn’t know were even in her brain, had actually happened, and now she was realizing she’d left som much out of her original telling of her rape and sexual assault experiences.  Janna asked if she could come back on the show to talk about this and make listeners aware of how real and how powerful this brain phenomena truly is. The answer was a no brainer for me…of course, yes, let’s do this! And thank you for even having the courage, fortitude, and strength to want to do this!  WoW! What a powerful episode this is! I can hardly wait for you to hear it! Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. Also, please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It all helps the show grow. Which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence of rape culture that surrounds us all. And as always, here are some important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about. And, finally…HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope each of you find joy, happiness, fulfillment, healing, and love this coming year! Thanks again for listening!   #napanews #arcigrey #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #traumainformed #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation

    44 мин.
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Sexual Assault Survivor Stories -SASS- is a weekly podcast designed for the purpose of providing victims and survivors of sexual assault and rape information and a forum to better understand the complexities, adversities, victories, and all the dynamics of surviving and healing. But it's not just for victims and survivors! It's a podcast of learning about trauma-informed interviewing and the neuroscience of trauma and memory, understanding the victim impact of rape and sexual assault, knowing how to recognize the psychophysiological responses of interpersonal trauma, and developing healing strategies and best-practice responses for all of these components. And the main goal of the podcast is to help bring justice to victims and survivors, recognizing that the best way to do this is by talking about our experiences and spreading information...because we all know someone who has been affected by sexual assault or rape.

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