A heartfelt conversation with survivors Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders about healing from sexual assault, emphasizing that it is not the survivor's fault, the importance of support, and pathways to recovery.

key topics

Myth of self-blame in sexual assault
The importance of support systems
Navigating relationships with abusers
Healing and self-care strategies
Resources and next steps for survivors

takeaways

What happened to you is not your fault.
Find at least one trusted person to share your story.
You don't have to tell everyone, just one safe person.
Healing takes time; be patient with yourself.
Your worth is inherent and unchangeable.

sound bites

"What happened to you is not your fault."
"It's not your fault and we believe you."
"You have intrinsic value that cannot be changed."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Survivor Perspectives
01:12 The Impact of Self-Blame and Misconceptions
03:07 Understanding the Complexity of Abuse from Trusted People
03:58 Confusion and Emotional Responses Post-Abuse
04:58 The Power of Disclosure and When to Share Your Story
07:11 The Importance of Finding Support and Not Isolating
08:06 Debunking Victim Blaming and Personal Responsibility
08:59 Recognizing and Overcoming Self-Blame
09:37 Self-Compassion and Doing the Best You Could
10:43 The Role of External and Internal Victim Blaming
11:31 Healing Requires Readiness and Emotional Preparation
12:20 When and How to Share Your Story Safely
13:23 The Power of Survivor Voices in Support Roles
14:36 Avoiding Identity as a Survivor and Focusing on Strengths
15:04 Normalizing the Long and Non-Linear Healing Process
18:48 Challenges of Co-Parenting with an Abuser
21:02 Prioritizing Safety and Making Empowered Choices
26:10 Decision-Making and Support During Trauma Recovery
27:19 Reaffirming That It’s Not Your Fault
28:35 Healing Is a Lifelong Journey and Self-Care
29:39 Closing Remarks and Resources for Survivors

resources

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - https://www.rainn.org/
National Sexual Assault Hotline - https://www.rainn.org/resources/national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
Therapists and Support Groups - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Books on Healing from Sexual Trauma - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=healing+from+sexual+trauma

https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1862413/episodes/9379928-let-s-talk-the-fiji-house-sexual-assault-and-value-resilience-in-life-and-leadership-episode-005

https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1862413/episodes/10850439-amy-nordhues-overcomer-of-therapist-abuse-resilience-in-life-and-leadership-episode-039

Support the show

Everyone has resilience, but what does that mean, and how do we use it in life and leadership? Join Stephanie Olson, an expert in resiliency and trauma, every week as she talks to other experts living lives of resilience. Stephanie also shares her own stories of addictions, disordered eating, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, and trauma, and shares the everyday struggles and joys of everyday life. As a wife, mom, and CEO she gives commentaries and, sometimes, a few rants to shed light on what makes a person resilient. So, if you have experienced adversity in life in any way and want to learn how to better lead your family, your workplace, and, well, your life, this podcast is for you!

https://setmefreeproject.net

https://www.stephanieolson.com/