114. Bonus Episode featuring Jan Broberg!-AJ; The Impact of Community Support, Providing Strength in the Healing Process

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS

In this deeply moving episode, I am joined by a friend of the podcast and host of The Jan Broberg Show, none other than Jan herself, to help interview AJ, a brave survivor who shares her extraordinary journey of overcoming extensive abuse and discovering her own strength. Together, the three of us explore the vital role of community support in the healing process, with a special focus on the Thrivivors community, which has been an integral part of AJ's recovery. The conversation delves into AJ's personal journey, examining the profound impact of childhood trauma on her development and the coping mechanisms she had to create in order to survive.

AJ’s story opens a window into the often hidden world of familial abuse and trafficking, shedding light on the long-term effects of trauma and the toxic façade of normalcy that can sometimes surround abusive families. The discussion also touches on the critical importance of trauma-informed care and how sharing one’s story can be a powerful tool for healing and empowering others. Throughout the episode, Jan, myself, and AJ emphasize how deeply childhood trauma and abuse can affect mental health, personal identity, and relationships. AJ courageously shares her harrowing experiences of being trafficked and abused, highlighting her struggle with complex PTSD and the difficult but necessary journey toward healing and self-acceptance.

As the conversation unfolds, we explore the complexities of navigating trust in relationships, particularly the challenge of reframing relationships with abusers—especially when those abusers are family members—in order to heal. The episode concludes with a heartfelt focus on recovery, self-love, and the ongoing journey of healing. AJ’s resilience and determination to tell her story serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of survivors and the importance of community and support.

This episode of S.A.S.S. is dedicated to those who share their stories and to those who listen and learn from them. Both Jan and I extend our heartfelt thanks to AJ for bravely sharing her incredibly difficult story and for being a powerful force in this conversation. AJ’s strength and determination to get her story out there are truly inspiring, and her journey toward healing continues to serve as a beacon of hope for others. S.A.S.S.--Normalizing the Conversation.™️

Thank you for being here to listen to AJ’s interview. After you’ve heard this episode, please do all you can to share this episode with everyone you know. And also, to Start By Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Another big favor I would ask is that you rate and subscribe to this podcast. It all helps the podcast grow, which in turn helps bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. By the way, it would be immensely appreciated if you would take just a few seconds of your time to please find the sexualassaultsurvivorstories page on Instagram and hit the follow button!!

Thank you for being part of my audience, and please become a regular listener and subscriber! A positive rating would also be greatly appreciated!

Here are some important links I hope you’ll take the time to look at:

https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org

https://www.napanews.org/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590

www.arcigrey.com

https://startbybelieving.org

https://evawintl.org/

https://safeinharmsway.org

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