THE ECONOMY OF ABUSE: Institutions Profit from Exploiting Survivors PT 1

When a survivor comes forward and tells their story publically, how do you feel? Do you support them? Do you distrust their story? What happens when the media gets a hold of the survivor’s story? Today, we’re confronting the issue of the economy of abuse. The media, the entertainment industry, and the justice system all profit from exploiting a survivor. This is why survivors often take years to come forward with their stories. Rather than being supported and encouraged, they are judged, dissected, and questioned. Lisa welcomes Hana Katana, a musician, activist, and content creator who exposed her abusers in the entertainment industry on social media. It went viral. Hana and Lisa discuss how, since going viral, she experienced exploitation from the media, the LAPD, and the rapper's fans. Although these powerful institutions use fans to question her credibility, aka she’s a “gold digger,” in reality, the media is profiting off of her story.  Hana and Lisa want survivors who come forward to be supported given grace and empathy rather than victim blaming or shame. This episode is all about calling out the systems that further harm survivors and holding these institutions accountable. From now on… you’ll have to stay tuned for next week’s episode to find out.  Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and predatory behavior. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself. Hana Katana is a musician, activist, and content creator who exposed her abusers in the entertainment industry on social media. Since going viral, she has connected with other survivors of his abuse but has faced many attacks from her abuser's fans and the media. Hana Katana wants to foster safe spaces for survivors to speak out, so when other people are finally ready to name their abusers, they will be met with empathy and gratitude rather than victim blaming and shame. You can follow Hana Katana @TheHanaKatana on Instagram, @HanaKatanaDragonSlayer on TikTok, @KatanaSpeaks on Twitter/X, and @HanaKatana on YouTube. You can listen to her music on Apple Music & Spotify. Follow Lisa Phillips @iamlisaphillips on Instagram. From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Have a story to share with us? Email us at [email protected]. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials. If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below: If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree). PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors. Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.