This is the final episode of Rachel Izzo's encounter with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and a harrowing tale of systemic failure and the enduring impact of trauma on survivors of sexual assault. Her story is not just a narrative of personal suffering but a stark indictment of institutional shortcomings in handling cases of sexual violence. In her quest for justice, Rachel found herself navigating a labyrinth of bureaucracy that seemed more intent on an outward image than true empathetic support. Her initial report of assault, bravely detailed to law enforcement, was met with skepticism and administrative inertia, compounding her anguish. Despite the gravity of her allegations and the evident trauma she had experienced, Rachel faced a stark reality: the system designed to protect failed to meet the standards of a trauma-informed approach or provide the compassionate response she needed. Rachel's journey through the NYPD's investigative process revealed a disturbing undercurrent of disbelief and procedural indifference, echoing broader societal challenges in addressing sexual violence with the gravity and sensitivity it demands. Rachel's courage in confronting her ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required of survivors who dare to seek accountability and healing within a system that all too often falls short. As Rachel bravely shares her story, she illuminates not only the personal devastation wrought by assault but also the imperative for systemic reform. Her experience underscores the critical need for law enforcement to adopt trauma-informed practices that prioritize survivor-centered approaches. And Rachel’s experience isn’t restricted to just the NYPD; others with whom she shared her story had a role in Rachel feeling unbelieved, blamed, and denied in seeking a thorough investigation. Through her search for advocacy and an unwavering support system, Rachel challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about institutional and societal responses to sexual violence, urging a paradigm shift towards empathy, accountability, and genuine support for those who have endured rape or sexual assault. In listening to Rachel's journey, we are required not only to engage with and open mind-set, but to reflect critically on our collective responsibility to ensure that survivors are heard, believed, and supported. Her story, etched in resilience, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of profound adversity. I want to remind you—we all have a role to play in this fight. The first step? Start by Believing. When a survivor reaches out to tell their story, we need to listen without judgment, without skepticism. We need to believe them, because we all know someone whose life has been touched by sexual assault—whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even ourselves. The more we normalize these conversations, the stronger we become in pushing back against rape culture and the systems that perpetuate it. An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND,  please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address:   I truly look forward to hearing from you! Thank you again for being part of this journey with me. Don’t miss next week’s episode as I bring you a new, compelling episode —right here on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS Podcast. See you next week. In the meantime, we encourage you to share this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues. Spread the word about Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, as we continue to amplify the voices of survivors and educate the public and professionals on the importance of trauma-informed care. Together, we can make a difference. Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of sexual assault, please reach out to a professional or utilize resources such as or Local Support Resources. Subscribe and Support: Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories; and, give us a five-star rating! Your support helps us continue to provide this important platform for survivors and advocates alike. I hope you will also do your part to bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. You can do that by sharing this episode with others. Also, please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It also 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. It only takes a minute, and I truly appreciate your support. You’ll also notice in this episode that there may be ads added to the episode to help bring attention to Survivor School, founded by Arci Grey. SS is an organization in which I play a part as both a Masterclass Presenter, and as a member of the SS advisory panel. There’s nothing like this phenomenally innovative approach to healing from trauma and becoming un-stuck. To join Survivor School, please use this link:   Thanks again for listening! And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.