Melissa tells Catriona how embracing her queerness and learning to enjoy dating again helped her cope in the aftermath of her trauma. 
 
Melissa brought a case of rape all the way to court but received a ‘not guilty’ verdict. Melissa isn’t her real name, but in a case like this, we cannot identify the accused for legal reasons. So to keep all parties involved anonymous, she agreed we could use a voice actor to record her half of the conversation . 
 
If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline. 
 
Presented by Catriona Morton, After is a 10-part series, featuring discussions between survivors of sexual abuse and assault about what happened to them and how they cope now. 
 
The voice actor for this episode is Heather Long. 
 
Produced by Danielle Stephens. The Executive Producers are Nick Minter and Clare Chadburn. It is a Wisebuddah production for BBC Sounds.

Melissa tells Catriona how embracing her queerness and learning to enjoy dating again helped her cope in the aftermath of her trauma. Melissa brought a case of rape all the way to court but received a ‘not guilty’ verdict. Melissa isn’t her real name, but in a case like this, we cannot identify the accused for legal reasons. So to keep all parties involved anonymous, she agreed we could use a voice actor to record her half of the conversation . If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Presented by Catriona Morton, After is a 10-part series, featuring discussions between survivors of sexual abuse and assault about what happened to them and how they cope now. The voice actor for this episode is Heather Long. Produced by Danielle Stephens. The Executive Producers are Nick Minter and Clare Chadburn. It is a Wisebuddah production for BBC Sounds.

Melissa: Part 2 – Now

Catriona Morton talks to fellow survivors of sexual assault and abuse about what happened to them and how they cope now.
 
After experiencing sexual abuse and assault herself, Catriona felt like she was abandoned by society, “stranded in an ocean,” she says, "with only a life raft and no rescue in sight.” So she created her own life raft with a blog called Life Continues After, where anyone affected by sexual trauma can share their stories and advice in the hope that others will find something useful. Or even just some comfort in knowing they’re not alone. This podcast continues Catriona’s mission. Each person’s story will be split into two parts - and two separate episodes in the podcast feed. In the first part – called ‘Then’ – survivors will tell Catriona as much or as a little as they want about what happened to them. If listeners feel this part of their story might be too triggering and distressing, they can skip to the second part – called ‘Now’ – where survivors will share the practical steps, resources and methods they follow. If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

Catriona Morton talks to fellow survivors of sexual assault and abuse about what happened to them and how they cope now. After experiencing sexual abuse and assault herself, Catriona felt like she was abandoned by society, “stranded in an ocean,” she says, "with only a life raft and no rescue in sight.” So she created her own life raft with a blog called Life Continues After, where anyone affected by sexual trauma can share their stories and advice in the hope that others will find something useful. Or even just some comfort in knowing they’re not alone. This podcast continues Catriona’s mission. Each person’s story will be split into two parts - and two separate episodes in the podcast feed. In the first part – called ‘Then’ – survivors will tell Catriona as much or as a little as they want about what happened to them. If listeners feel this part of their story might be too triggering and distressing, they can skip to the second part – called ‘Now’ – where survivors will share the practical steps, resources and methods they follow. If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

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Melissa: Part 2 – Now

Melissa: Part 2 – Now

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