Ep 1: Why Is It Like This?

In this introductory episode, host and survivor DeAnn Tilton asks the question that shaped her life and her work: Why is it like this? She traces her path from a childhood of confusion and harm, to a hospital that treated her but didn't protect her sisters, to a phone call to the police that ended with the words "statute of limitations." Along the way she began to find the answers — not personal ones, but historical, structural, and institutional ones. This podcast is the result of that search. Content note: This episode contains a personal account of the effects of childhood sexual abuse. Support Resources If you or someone you know needs support, the following organizations are here to help. National Crisis Support RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) — National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | Text HOPE to 64673 | https://www.rainn.org 1in6 — Support for men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences: https://1in6.org Community-Specific Support The Trevor Project — Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth: 1-866-488-7386 | Text START to 678678 | https://www.thetrevorproject.org StrongHearts Native Helpline — Culturally specific support for Native American and Alaska Native communities: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) | https://www.strongheartshelpline.org DAWN (Deaf Abused Women's Network) — Support for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors: Video phone 202-559-5366 | https://www.deafdawn.org Mirror Memoirs — Healing circles for Black and Indigenous gender non-conforming adult survivors of child sexual abuse: https://mirrormemoirs.org Hidden Water — Restorative justice healing circles for those impacted by child sexual abuse: https://hiddenwatercircle.org National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) — Resources addressing abuse against older adults: https://www.ncall.us NO MORE Global Directory — Sexual assault and domestic violence resources in every UN-recognized country: https://nomore.org Prevention Stop It Now! — Prevention resources and support for anyone concerned about sexual behavior toward children: 1-888-773-8368 | https://www.stopitnow.org Darkness to Light — Prevention education and training for adults who protect children: https://www.d2l.org Find Local Resources National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) — Directory to find your state sexual assault coalition: https://endsexualviolence.org About the Host DeAnn Tilton is the founder of the Talk to a Survivor nonprofit, she trained as a victim advocate (UCASA), and a Darkness to Light facilitator. She holds a BS in psychology and MS in human development and social policy. DeAnn has testified to help expand statutes of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Connect Email: [email protected] Substack: @talktoasurvivor