Valerie - The Birth of A Sacred Witness

In this first episode Valerie shares her personal story of surviving sexual trauma, breaking the silence and discovering the power of being witnessed. Hear how being witnessed led to a spiritual awakening that ultimately led to the birth of Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness Podcast. For decades, I carried the weight of childhood sexual abuse and military sexual trauma without telling a soul. When I unexpectedly encountered my military assailant years later, it cracked open the vault of repressed memories, beginning a long and difficult journey of healing.In 2020 sparked by the collision of the #iamvanessaguillen and #metoo movements, and the stress of COVID isolation triggered a profound PTSD episode that forced me to confront the cost of my silence. Finding community among women veterans who simply said "me too" began to break that isolation. Being witnessed without judgment cracked open decades of silence.My heart and hope for Defiance of Silence: A Sacred Witness is to create space for survivors, healers, and witnesses to share their truth. This podcast isn't about sensationalizing trauma but honoring the journey through communal witnessing. We defy the silence that isolates while embracing the silence that allows true listening – sitting with someone's pain without judgment, without fixing, without rushing. Whether you're seeking healing or coming to witness others, you're welcome here. Your presence matters. Together, we'll discover the power of being seen and the healing that follows. Remember: you are not alone, your story deserves to be heard, and you are worthy of being witnessed.Contact Valerie Support the showRemember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed!If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support:National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.orgSAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.orgVeterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/https://www.scarsfoundation.org/*This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number.Want to tell your story? Send a DM or an emailFind us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast    [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/defiance_of_silence_podcast?igsh=MWVxMHI3OXY1cm1paA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr