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.

If you’ve tuned into this podcast before, you already know that this show serves a dual purpose: first, providing a safe space for victims and survivors of rape or sexual assault to share their experiences and facilitate healing. And second, it works to educate professionals from all walks of life on trauma-informed care—because understanding this stuff isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about shifting the way we approach advocacy, support, and justice. Welcome back to another powerful episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. This podcast is making an impact. It’s changing the conversation around rape culture, helping people understand its pervasiveness, and providing critical insights into how we can reduce it. But none of that happens without you—without all of us doing our part. Thank you for being here today and for helping to advance these important goals. Your presence matters, and I’m so glad you’re with us. I truly recognize that without you, this podcast ceases to exist…so, again, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Today, we’re diving into Episode 131, which is part two of my conversation with the incredible Rachel Izzo. I hope you had a chance to hear her first episode—where she courageously shared how a weight-lifting trainer groomed and manipulated her into a traumatic sexual assault and rape experience that spanned several years. It’s a hard story to hear, but an important one. If you haven’t listened yet, go back and catch up. It’s crucial for understanding the complex and insidious dynamics of abuse—and to see how these power dynamics can keep someone trapped. In today’s episode, Rachel picks up where we left off, sharing the gut-wrenching details of yet another instance of manipulation and coercion, this time by someone else who took advantage of her vulnerability. This wasn’t just a random encounter—it was another carefully orchestrated situation, where the same power dynamics played out once again. And this time, it’s even harder for Rachel to make sense of the pattern. She’s been there before, but the trauma isn’t any easier to process. But Rachel isn’t giving up. She continues to speak her truth with strength and resilience, determined to help others understand what it means to be caught in these cycles and how we can break them. There’s still a lot more to come in the next episode, as Rachel’s story unfolds even deeper. Her courage in sharing these experiences is inspiring, and it’s why she’s on a mission to not only heal herself but to make sure that others don’t have to walk this painful road alone. 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 we continue Rachel’s story—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.

Welcome back to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, the SASS Podcast. In this powerful and impactful episode, we begin a multi-episode series featuring Rachel Izzo, a brave survivor who shares her gripping story of multiple sexual assaults and rapes. Rachel's journey is not only important for its emotional depth but also for the unique perspective she offers from a law enforcement lens. Her experience shines a light on critical aspects of how the justice system intersects with sexual assault cases and the challenges that come with it. In this first part of Rachel's story, we take an in-depth look at the trauma she endured and how it shaped her path forward. As always, this podcast serves a dual purpose: providing a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and begin their healing process, while also educating professionals in various fields—especially law enforcement—on the complexities of trauma-informed care. Rachel's insights are invaluable, offering a deeper understanding of how trauma affects the brain and body, as well as the long-term impact it can have on survivors. For those who work with victims and survivors, this episode is a vital resource, demonstrating the importance of empathy, understanding, and support when engaging with individuals who have experienced such profound trauma. Rachel’s story is not only compelling but also provides a real-world context for how professionals can better approach cases to minimize re-traumatization and foster trust with survivors. As the episode unfolds, you'll hear Rachel's first-hand account of her experiences. The depth and rawness of her narrative will stay with you long after you listen. This is a story of survival, resilience, and courage—a story that must be heard. Stay Tuned: Part Two Coming Next Week This episode marks only the beginning of Rachel’s story. As we move into next week’s episode, Rachel’s journey takes an even more intense turn, particularly when law enforcement becomes involved. The intricacies of her interactions with the justice system reveal a whole new layer of complexity in how survivors navigate the aftermath of sexual violence. You won't want to miss what’s coming next. As always, thank you for tuning in and for supporting this podcast’s mission to normalize the conversation around rape and sexual assault. By sharing these stories, we are helping to create a more compassionate world where survivors are heard, believed, and supported. Be sure to join us next week for part two of Rachel Izzo’s remarkable story. 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, and when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, please Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.  You’ll also notice in this episode that there are ads placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the episode to help bring attention to Arci Grey’s Survivor School, an organization in which I play a part as both a Masterclass Presenter, and as a member of the Survivor School 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!

I have listened, on and off, to the Dear Katie: Survivor Stories podcast for several years and had it in the back of my head that doing a podshare episode with her might be something that both our audiences might find informative and enlightening. So, with nothing to lose, I sent off an email asking if this was something she might be interested in. She responded that she thought it was a great idea—here’s that episode! This was recorded in the fall of 2024, so some of the references made might be a tiny it outdated, but the content of the episode is, and will be forever, vitally pertinent and ageless! If you want to hear a slightly different version of this same episode from the Dear Katie: Survivor Stories podcast that aired on March 6, 2025, the link is listed below. Her producers edited this mutual interview a little bit differently than I did. For those of you who don’t know Katie: Katie Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine at age 18 as the first to speak out as the victim of “date rape”, talks with survivors of sexual assault, rape and abuse about what they went through and how it impacted their life afterward. Katie delves into backlash, legal systems, campus reactions, family and friends, mental health, PTSD, substance use, body image, and the journey from hurt to healing and thriving. (Cite: Dear Katie Podcast home page: , copied 18 March, 2025.) I think you’ll find this episode extremely informative, as we both describe our sexual assault and rape experiences as well as the impacts each of us endured, and how our healing journeys started and have progressed. And you’ll hear our mutual responses to being made aware of each other’s stories…it’s quite the episode, I think you’ll agree. This was a true pleasure and honor to do with Katie, and I am thrilled and honored that she agreed to do this with me! Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. 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, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.  You’ll also notice in this episode that there are ads placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the episode to help bring attention to Arci Grey’s Survivor School, an organization in which I play a part as both a Masterclass Presenter, and as a member of the Survivor School 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!

Welcome to Part 4, the powerful conclusion of this compelling four-part series featuring Kaitlin Hurley-Fields and her devoted father, Derrick Hurley. In this deeply moving final episode, Kaitlin and Derrick share powerful reflections on their emotional journey through trauma, justice, healing, and advocacy following Kaitlin’s devastating rape by a visiting UK police officer in Antigua. Derrick Hurley's book, Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight, poignantly captures their family's heart-wrenching struggle. Derrick's unwavering pursuit of justice demonstrates the profound strength of parental love and determination, as he battled tirelessly to extradite Kaitlin’s attacker from England to Antigua—a monumental legal victory and a significant moment in international justice. In this episode, Kaitlin bravely and candidly shares profound insights about reclaiming her identity, rebuilding trust, and channeling her experience into advocacy to empower others. Derrick provides intimate perspectives on the impact this trauma had on their family dynamics, his own emotional journey as a father, and the transformative power of community support. Their story isn't simply one of survival—it's a testament to the extraordinary resilience, courage, and commitment required to confront and dismantle rape culture worldwide. This series highlights the critical importance of listening, believing, and supporting survivors of sexual assault, emphasizing why Kaitlin’s story is essential in fostering dialogue and driving social change. Thank you for being a devoted SASS listener. Your engagement helps amplify the voices of survivors and contributes significantly toward dismantling the harmful silence surrounding rape and sexual assault. Please subscribe to the show and leave a five-star rating—it dramatically enhances our ability to reach and support more listeners. Share this vital episode widely, and always remember, when someone shares their story with you—Start by Believing. Follow us on Instagram at sexualassaultsurvivorstories to support the show's growth and help us collectively combat rape culture. Your support matters deeply, and we sincerely thank you for standing with us.

This is the opening paragraph from Derrick Hurley’s website about his book, Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight. This passage is both powerful and important, and it deserves special attention because it highlights not only a family’s painful struggle to survive the trauma of Kaitlin’s horrific rape but also the incredible lengths a devoted father will go to in his pursuit of justice for his daughter. Derrick Hurley’s life was forever changed when his daughter, Kaitlin Hurley, became the victim of a brutal crime in 2015. A nursing student living in Antigua, Kaitlin suffered a traumatic assault at the hands of a London police officer, Lee Martin-Cramp, who was visiting the island with his family. In his gripping and emotionally raw 220-page book, Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight, Derrick Hurley lays bare his anguish, determination, and relentless fight for justice. Through his deeply personal account, he takes readers on an extraordinary journey—one that no parent ever imagines they will have to face—demonstrating the unwavering strength of a father’s love in the face of unimaginable adversity.() Being a witness in criminal court isn’t easy. Especially if you’re the “victim” witness testifying from the stand against the perpetrator who viciously and painfully drug raped you, and who is sitting within just a few feet in away from you as you testify. It’s not just “not easy;” it can be terrifying. In this week’s episode, Kaitlin Hurley describes how she found herself in that very situation, realizing that the actuality of being in court is nothing like you’ve seen on television…which is all Kaitlin knew about what court was like. No, there’s not a whole lot that’s even close to similar when it comes to comparing reality with tv drama. And, what made this even more unfamiliar was the fact that it was an Antiguan court room, where the setting for this reality was not familiar at all. The prosecutor’s table, the defense table, where the jury sits, and the witness “box,” are all quite different from an American courtroom. It’s hard to imagine the anxiety and fear a victim giving testimony might feel. Listen as Kaitlin tells what her experience was. And hear, too, the emotional description from Kaitlin’s father, Derrick.   This is Part 3 of the 4-part series of my interview with Kaitlin Hurley-Fields and her father, Derrick Hurley. It’s never “easy” to listen to an account of rape or sexual assault. But it’s necessary as a caring aspect of a community coming together to be supportive of the survivors of these horrific stories, and to help bring justice to them, and to normalizing the conversation in order to help reduce the prevalence of rape and sexual assault in the rape culture in which we are enveloped. Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. 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, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.  You’ll also notice in this episode that there are ads placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the episode to help bring attention to Arci Grey’s Survivor School, an organization in which I play a part as both a Masterclass Presenter, and as a member of the Survivor School 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!

I want to share with you, again, the opening paragraph from Derrick Hurley’s website about the book he wrote: Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight… it’s important and powerful enough that it bears making sure you read it to emphasize the importance of not only the family’s stirring struggle to survive Kailin’s horrific rape, but also the extent that a loving father will go to help bring justice to his daughter: Derrick Hurley, a devoted father, found himself in a heart-wrenching battle when his daughter, Kaitlin Hurley, fell victim to a harrowing crime in 2015. Kaitlin, a nursing student living in Antigua, endured a traumatic experience at the hands of a London police officer, Lee Martin-Cramp, who was visiting the island with his family. In his gripping and emotionally charged 220-page book, “Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight,” Derrick Hurley bares his soul, recounting the extraordinary odyssey he embarked upon when his daughter became the tragic victim of a heinous crime. () This episode is fascinating because it not only features Derrick’s ongoing struggle to get his daughter’s perpetrator extradited back to Antigua from England, but also Kaitlin’s personal story of a big portion of her healing process. The importance of her struggle can’t be overstated. Kaitlin gives her formidable and crucially important insights on her healing journey. I think the reason this portion of the episode is so powerful is because Kaitlin tells it in such a way that it makes you captivatingly aware of her raw strength and determination in pushing toward normalizing the conversation and her life. Truly, Kaitlin is the archetype of courage. Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. 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, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.  Thanks again for listening!

Let me share with you the opening paragraph from Derrick Hurley’s website about the book he wrote: Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight… Derrick Hurley, a devoted father, found himself in a heart-wrenching battle when his daughter, Kaitlin Hurley, fell victim to a harrowing crime in 2015. Kaitlin, a nursing student living in Antigua, endured a traumatic experience at the hands of a London police officer, Lee Martin-Cramp, who was visiting the island with his family. In his gripping and emotionally charged 220-page book, “Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight,” Derrick Hurley bares his soul, recounting the extraordinary odyssey he embarked upon when his daughter became the tragic victim of a heinous crime. () There is no gentle way to explain how terrifying this story is. And Derrick holds nothing back in telling what his daughter, Kaitlin, and his entire family endured in the long fight for justice for Kaitlin. But, the bright side of this story is that justice was served. And Kaitlin and her family endured and continue to bring justice to thousands of people by sharing their story. It’s an important story to be told, and this is an important podcast to listen to…because we need to normalize this type of story, and the conversations that are necessary to help put an end to rape culture in this country and around the world. In fact, this is an extraordinary episode, because it is Kaitlin’s first time being on a podcast in order to share her experience of the heinous rape she endured at the hands of a UK police officer who was on vacation with his family in Antigua where the crime occurred.  The fight for justice was grueling. And Kaitlin acknowledges that she’ll never be the same person she was before the rape. In the end, the fight to get justice was worth every agonizing aspect of the struggle. This is an amazing story, an amazing book, and an amazing episode, Part 1! Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. 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, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.  Thanks again for listening!

When I found BB Gabriel on Instagram (), and read about her book, No Ordinary Love, I wasted no time in reaching out to her to ask her to be a guest on this show. BB readily agreed, but due to some medical issues that came up for her, we had to wait awhile to get her episode recorded. It is with tremendous honor that I am finally able to bring you this episode!  BB had no hesitation in sharing her profound journey as a survivor of multiple sexual assaults and domestic violence. She discusses her ongoing medical challenges, the emotional impact of her experiences, and the importance of healing and self-discovery. BB also emphasizes the significance of safe spaces for survivors and the role of mental health in recovery. And she delves into the story behind her book, 'No Ordinary Love,' and reflects on the complexities of survivor narratives. I’m thrilled to bring you this episode because BB shares her deeply personal journey of healing from trauma, particularly focusing on her experiences with domestic violence and sexual assault. She discusses the complexities of trauma responses, the long-lasting impacts on her life, and the therapeutic power of writing as a means of processing her experiences. BB talks about the crucial importance of support systems and coping mechanisms in her healing journey, highlighting the role of community and self-care in navigating the challenges of trauma recovery. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Here’s the link to go directly to Amazon to buy BB’s book!...which you should do, in my esteemed and highly sought-after opinion: Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. 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, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about. Thanks again for listening!

The path from abuse to empowerment…this title doesn’t quite do justice to this story; but it’s a good start. Victoria Ellen IS a survivor! But even more that, she is a powerhouse. She married a man who wasn’t at all what he seemed. What started out as a loving, encouraging and pretty wonderful marriage turned into what was, in reality, a textbook example of the cycle of domestic violence. Victoria’s husband started showing his true self: a controlling, power-crazed narcissist. He became a pastor. But he used what was supposed to be sacred and honor-filled into manipulative coercion and fear, using his self-perceived spiritual leadership into a tool; a tool of malevolence. The power and control Victoria’s husband wielded manifested with physical assault, rape, and sexual assault. Sadly, Victoria wasn’t the only victim of this man’s assaultive actions. Victoria started seeing the signs of sexual assault coming from her two children. Toddlers. A mother’s worst nightmare. The path of this relationship however, as the title of this episode states, went from abuse to empowerment. Victoria became ferocious in her designs to eliminate this abusive monster from her and her children’s lives. She did it…she left that man. How? That’s where the book she wrote comes in. Painting in the Rain: A True Story of Trickery and Triumph, tells the incredible story. Here's the link to Victoria’s website; be sure to check it out! And here’s the link to go directly to Amazon to buy her book! Which you should do, if you want my opinion! Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. 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, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. 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. And as always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about. Thanks again for listening!