Discussing Secondary Survivors

In today’s episode we discuss the significance of recognizing and supporting secondary survivors.  A secondary survivor can be a friend, family member, or anyone who loves someone who has been the victim of a sexual crime.  Debbie shares her own survivor story and her experience and advice for secondary survivors.  

Debbie Mitchell is a survivor of child sexual assault from her father. The abuse began when she was very young and continued until she moved out at age 19. She kept the abuse a secret, even from her brothers. After getting married and having four children, Debbie experienced PTSD symptoms when the stress in her life increased. Despite the trauma she endured, Debbie has persevered and is now dedicated to raising awareness about the long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse.  After being a part of a support group for 2 years, she started her own support group for other women, and eventually found Jane Doe No More where she is now part of the Survivors Speak Outreach Team.  

• Defining what a secondary survivor is

• Some of the challenges secondary survivors face 

• Debbie’s personal story and experience with secondary survivors 

• The importance of having people believe a survivor's story 

• Learning how PTSD can affect a survivor later in life 

• Confronting family members about abuse and the strained relationships it can cause

• Finding healing through support groups

• The significance of sharing stories of resilience and the impact it can have on others

  
  

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