Megan Talks with Joy, a 40-year-old hairstylist, spin instructor, and mother. Married for 10 years, lived in Saskatchewan for 8 years, now back in British Columbia. Grew up in religious Filipino family, and attended Bible college

The Trauma

• Drugged and raped at age 18
• Event triggered repressed childhood memories
• Led to shattered faith and intense shame

Coping Mechanisms (Early 20s)

• Heavy partying and rave culture
• Cocaine and drug use
• Destructive self-talk and self-hatred
• Used weekends as escape from pain

Healing Journey - Turning Points:

• Met her now-husband who didn't use drugs
• Stopped using drugs (initially for him, then for herself)
• Having her daughter was the major catalyst for change

Healing Practices:

• Daily mindset work and retraining negative self-talk
• Therapy and journaling
• Exercise (shifting from self-punishment to self-love)
• Rebuilding spiritual relationship
• Sharing her story with others

Key Messages

• You are not alone - Sexual assault is tragically common
• It's not your fault - Release shame and blame
• Healing is possible - Takes daily work and time
• Talk about it - Sharing diminishes trauma's power
• You are not defined by your trauma - It's a chapter, not your identity

Current Life

• Manages salon with 32 team members
• Proud of her resilience and growth
• Uses her platform to inspire others
• Bounces back from challenges more quickly

Support Resources (Canada)

• Talk for Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "Connect" to 686868
• Website: endingviolencecanada.org/get-help
• Joy's Instagram: @joyteschhair