61. Ashleyann Garcia: Struggling, but Winning!

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS

One of the most difficult components of the sexual assault/rape healing journey is mustering the courage and strength to tell someone else your story. It can be formidable. Daunting even. But many psychologists and sociologists agree that talking about ones own sexual assault or rape experience can help in processing one’s emotions, provide a community of survivors that support each other, and create a sense of accomplishment and self-encouragement that provides a strong foundation for ones healing journey.

Through my own anecdotal experiences and education I’ve acquired through formal scholastic channels as well as through professional trainings, I’ve come to recognize that those victims and survivors of rape and/or sexual assault who choose to talk about a sexual assault or rape experience with someone who is empathic and supportive can lead to some very strong and beneficial outcomes, not the least of which include:

1. Emotional Validation: Sharing the experience with a supportive person can validate the survivor's feelings and emotions, helping them feel understood and acknowledged.

2. Reduced Isolation: Discussing the experience can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany trauma, as the survivor realizes they're not alone and have support.

3. Healing and Coping: Talking about the experience can be a step toward healing. It allows the survivor to begin processing their emotions, which can be a crucial part of coping and moving forward.

“Moving forward”—this is where Ashleyann is: she’s struggling, but winning. And her winning is providing the ongoing platform she needs for that continued forward drive. Her decision to come on the Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast was the result of months of self-reflection, weighing options, and much contemplation. Ultimately, Ashleyann decided to come on the show, and at the end of her episode experience, Ashleyann said, “I am always, forever going to be so grateful for this.” Ashleyann joins many, many other SASS family members who have expressed very similar sentiments.

Don’t forget to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault.

https://markel-consulting.com

https://startbybelieving.org

https://safeinharmsway.org

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