I Believe You

In this powerful episode of Not That Girl Anymore, trauma therapist and coach Dawn Bouillon explores what true empathy looks like when someone says, “I was abused.” Why do so many survivors face a second wound—not being believed—after the initial harm? How can we respond in ways that create safety instead of silence?Through heartfelt reflection and cultural commentary, this episode addresses victim blaming, sexual abuse disclosure, collective trauma, and the emotional impact of not being believed. Dawn unpacks how society conditions women to prevent harm while often failing to hold perpetrators accountable—and why staying human requires us to lean in, not look away.If you’ve ever struggled with how to respond to abuse disclosures, questioned your own story, or want to become a safer, more empathetic person, this conversation offers trauma-informed insight, healing validation, and practical perspective.Topics include:How to respond when someone says “This happened to me”The psychology of abuse disclosure and survivor vulnerabilityThe cultural impact of victim blamingCollective trauma and current headlinesWhy “I believe you” can change someone’s lifeThis episode is for survivors, allies, therapists, coaches, and anyone committed to empathy, accountability, and emotional safety.