Episode 31 - Sophia Murphy - Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Trigger Warning' if you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse please remember the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-hour Helpline is open 1800 77 8888

In today’s podcast (episode 31) we will be talking to Sophia Murphy, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

In July 2018 Sophia’s father, John Murphy, a 61-year-old former member of the Irish Defence Forces received a sentence of 18 years in prison.  Her father plead guilty to the sexual assault and rape of his eldest daughter Sophia from the ages of 3 to 15. He was already serving a 5-year sentence on a previous abuse case when Sophia’s case was heard.

In September 2019 she appeared on ‘The Late Late Show’ with Ryan Turbridy where she spoke about her own experience of abuse and urged other victims to come forward.  In October of the same year Sophia took part in ‘Finné’ a TG4 documentary series where she shared how she (as one reporter wrote) ‘triumphed over adversity and came to terms with her fathers’ conviction.

This is a powerful interview which some may find extremely triggering but is so worth the listen. Sophia’s courage and bravery of not only facing her demons but speaking openly about them will help so many survivors understand why speaking up can be so hard. It will also help them see, that who they are today does not warrant self-hatred but empathy, forgiveness, and self-love.

Sophia’s candid recollection brings with it a better understanding of the deep shame and guilt survivors have such difficulty letting go of. It will also help victims see how feelings of guilt and shame are gifted to them by their abuser and freedom will come with the understanding that those feelings were never theirs in the first place.

Take Care

Joyce, June and Paula