Ep 2 - From Shame to Strength: My Path to Healing After Sexual Violence

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 Warning01:37 Meet the Guest Host02:56 Why Share This Now04:15 The Assault in 201506:05 Shame and Staying Silent13:32 Reporting to Police15:42 Life Starts Unraveling18:12 Therapy Search and Breakthrough23:46 Telling Friends and Finding Connection26:05 Opening Up to Family29:57 Why I Stayed Silent32:44 Telling Dad and Brother34:41 Shame Losing Power38:39 Purpose Through Sharing48:50 Mission and Self Worth53:28 Remarkable Woman Tribute55:08 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 surgeryA voluntary organisation such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, or Victim SupportGET IN TOUCHJoin the community:@StoriesWithoutShame on InstagramSign up for the Stories Without Shame newsletter to join the movement.