Initiated Survivor

The far-reaching effects of trauma with Kelly Johnson


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Kelly Johnson is a writer, public speaker, community engagement professional, and survivor of sexual violence. She has her masters in Public History from American University and is extremely passionate about literature. She created a Writers for Hope, which seeks to raise money for The Every Voice Coalition and the Lambda Legal Fund through the annual auctioning of books, writing advice, and story-based items. Today she comes onto the podcast to share her story of survival. Early one morning, Kelly was brutally beaten and violated by a stranger who was waiting outside her home. In what she calls the shattering of her mind, Kelly takes us back to that morning and the far-reaching effects that her trauma has on her life.

Topics/Triggers:

  • The cultural and societal systems that cultivate rape culture
  • Retelling of the sexual assault, including being beaten and raped in her apartment
  • The response from her local police and medical professionals
  • Dealing with the shared trauma of her best friend and loved ones
  • The myth of what survivors are "supposed" to do
  • Defense mechanisms
  • STD prevention post-assault
  • The powerful motivator of anger
  • Choosing not to forgive
  • Follow Kelly on Twitter to stay up to date with all she does for survivors!

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    If you or anyone you know is suffering through trauma contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online for 24/7 support. (This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy or mental health care. You can obtain a referral for mental health care provider from your primary care physician, or search on Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist directory)

    Find more Initiated Survivor content here and on Instagram!

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    Initiated SurvivorBy Kelsey Harper

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