Theresa’s courage proves that even after 17 years of silence, a voice can rise stronger than the violence that tried to silence it.
When Teresa heard glass shatter that Saturday morning in March 2007, she had no idea her life was about to change forever. What followed was a horrific sexual assault in her own home—a place that should have been her sanctuary. For eighteen years she has carried this trauma, reliving it each March through recurring nightmares. Despite a thorough police investigation that linked her attacker to multiple assaults across two countries, he was never caught—leaving her without the closure conventional justice might have provided.
Yet Teresa’s resilience defines her story, not the violence. Raised by government investigator parents, she stayed alert during the attack, noticing critical details that helped police, and when the chance came to escape, she took it with courage. Rather than remain in “victim-hood,” Teresa returned to her apartment, faced her fears, and leaned on faith, therapy, supportive friends, her pets and artistic expression to reclaim her voice. Now, by sharing her story, she hopes to reach others still suffering in silence: Feel empowered to go forward, tell your story with God guiding you.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, visit:
https://rainn.org for free, confidential support.
National hotline: Available 24 hours. 1-800-656-4673
Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.