In this episode of Speak Shame with Dr Connie Kerali, Dr Connie, a medical doctor, life coach, and survivor of sexual violence, shares her powerful story of overcoming shame and finding strength through vulnerability. Interviewed by her long-time friend and career change coach, Darleen Davies, Dr Connie recounts being silenced by shame for several years after being raped, and her path to healing through therapy and support from loved ones. The discussion highlights the importance of connection, sharing one's story with someone that you trust, and the impact of hearing Dr Christine Blasey Ford speak her truth about being sexually assaulted as a teenager. Dr Connie's mission is to share inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.
00:00 Welcome and Trigger Warning
01:37 Meet the Guest Host
02:56 Why Share This Now
04:15 The Assault in 2015
06:05 Shame and Staying Silent
13:32 Reporting to Police
15:42 Life Starts Unraveling
18:12 Therapy Search and Breakthrough
23:46 Telling Friends and Finding Connection
26:05 Opening Up to Family
29:57 Why I Stayed Silent
32:44 Telling Dad and Brother
34:41 Shame Losing Power
38:39 Purpose Through Sharing
48:50 Mission and Self Worth
53:28 Remarkable Woman Tribute
55:08 Final Resources and Goodbye
If you need additional support after listening to this episode you can use the links below to find more information on some places to go:
- In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies, dial 101 (UK only)
- Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre (England only)
- Find an NHS Talking Therapy service near you (England only)
- A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
- A voluntary organisation such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, or Victim Support
GET IN TOUCH
- Join the community:
- @DrConnieKerali on Instagram
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