In this deeply moving and vital episode of The Evolving Man Podcast, I sit down with Neil Harding — survivor, advocate, and whistleblower — to speak honestly and bravely about the widespread child sexual abuse that took place at Dilworth School in New Zealand.

Neil was a full-time boarder from the age of 9. For decades, he held onto the trauma he experienced there, until the day came when he could stay silent no longer.

What follows is a raw and powerful conversation about trauma, grooming, institutional betrayal, and the long path to healing. Neil shares his story not for sympathy, but to shine a light on a culture of secrecy and enablement — and to support other survivors who still feel voiceless.

We also explore how Neil reclaimed his voice, how he moved through shame, and the personal toll of standing up to institutions that failed him and many others.

This episode is for every survivor. And for every person ready to truly listen.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Neil’s early experiences at Dilworth School
• Grooming, silence, and the mechanisms of institutional abuse
• The long-term impacts of sexual trauma
• Shame, addiction, and the search for safety
• Speaking out in adulthood and confronting the system
• What survivors need — and rarely get — from society
• How community, therapy, and visibility support healing

🎧 AEM #136 is a call to truth, compassion, and action.

📢 If you’re a survivor, or you work with trauma, this is a must-listen.

🛑 Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse and trauma.

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Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems.

He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man.

He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1

For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross

For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic

For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community

Many blessings,

Piers Cross

http://piers-cross.com/