#10: Charise Thompson is a phenomenal human being. She is the survivor of multiple traumas including domestic abuse, a Hepatitis C diagnosis and the loss of multiple family members. Charise also tells the harrowing story of how she was abducted, brutally beaten, gang raped and left for dead on the side of the road.

Charise is a Victim Advocate, Counselor, Ordained Minister, Writer, Poet and Support Group Facilitator for Hepatitis C and Survivors of Sexual Assault. She is also a Women's Roller Derby League Coordinator and Coach. Previously, Charise was an Administrator for a Drug/Alcohol Treatment Facility, and Victim Advocate for SafeHouse Sexual Assault Services, after leaving Real Estate Management. She is someone who has learned how to turn surviving into thriving!

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Show Notes:

3:00 - Charise’s original story was aired publicly, and picked up by the Daily Mail and she speaks about what it has been like.

5:30 - Charise describes her childhood and background

9:25 - Leaving another abusive situation

12:50 - The night that changed Charise’s life forever (the attack) + her son’s illness at a young age

25:15 - What it was like to physically recover from the attack

29:00 - Being diagnosed with Hepatitis C, getting treatment and being confined to a wheelchair for 13 years

41:46 - Charise talks about her suicide attempt

44:10 - What life looks like today + advice for the ages

46:40 - Stop the damage and let the healing begin.

49:12 - Working with women who are dealing with sexual assault and substance abuse disorders

50:09 - Coping skills and techniques

51:55 - Roller Derby

54:50 - The beauty in the moments of overcoming

57:06 - You know your child better than anyone

59:42 - Advice to mothers who want to put their stories out there, but don’t want to traumatize your children

1:01:57 - Resources for survivors

The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, Lionrock Recovery, for their support. Lionrock Recovery is an online substance abuse counseling program where you can get help for drinking or drug use from the privacy of your own home. For more information, visit http://www.lionrockrecovery.com.