53. Scarlett Robertson: Sweet Hopes That Instead Lead to Manipulation, Rape, Assault, and Back to Sweet Hopes. Part 3.

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS

Activation warning: this episode contains explicit and graphic descriptions of physical assault, sexual assault, and rape. Discretionary caution is strongly advised. This episode is not for children. Please use extreme self-care in listening to this episode and seek immediate help through the national sexual assault telephone hotline if you are activated or triggered by calling 1-800.656.HOPE (4673).

This is the concluding episode of Scarlett Robertson’s appalling and traumatic assault: physically, sexually, emotionally and verbally, at the hands of her then-partner. I would encourage you to listen to parts 1 and 2 before you begin part 3, so that you will have a complete understanding of this convoluted and complex assaultive relationship.

This episode continues in the description of the emotional and cognizant realization by Scarlett that her then-boyfriend had not just manipulated, used, and verbally assaulted her, but that he has raped her, and that the rape included an extremely painful physical assault. And then her immediate confusion about what to do about it all. When, after she left the scene of the assault and went to her home, she is shortly after confronted by him again in an irate, verbally abusive tirade and which ends with the theft of her personal property. Calling the police to report it all resulted in additional trauma…both then, and currently, as she struggles with the realization of the truth of what happened to her at the hands of Charlie (not her ex-boyfriend’s real name), but also at the hands of medical personnel when she had attempted suicide years ago, and by the response of the police when they showed up at her house to take her report. The fortitude that Scarlett exudes through it all, even while telling her story, is as astounding as it is commendable. The fact that she wants to make sure that her story gets out to the world is incredible.

Scarlett wants to ensure that anyone who has experienced interpersonal relationship trauma, does not feel like they are alone. She and I both encourage all victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse seek help, reach out to support networks, and remember that healing is possible. Together, we can work towards a world where survivors are heard, believed, and protected. Part of Scarlett’s healing journey involves being a subscriber to the online community of Thrivivors, part of The Jan Broberg Foundation. If you are interested in joining and participating in the many aspects of the organization that are helping victims and survivors heal, there is a link below.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And while most people don’t realize the prevalence of domestic violence in this country and around the world, what’s even more misunderstood are the dynamics of domestic violence, and the fact that most relationships that involve domestic violence, regardless of the gender identities of the partnerships involved, include sexual assault and/or rape. I want to encourage you, if you’re reading this, and/or are a SASS listener, to become more educated and aware of the dynamics of domestic violence and interpersonal violence, so you can become more active in recognizing the signs and symptoms of DV relationships and help those who are seeking help; so you can help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault; so you can be trauma-informed and not risk re-traumatizing victims and survivors; and so you can help provide resources and further the knowledge base in our communities about what needs to be done to help reduce the prevalence of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault. The best start to all of this is to Start By Believing. Because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault.

Please subscribe, rate, and share Sexual Assault Survivor Stories with everyone you know, whether you listen to every episode or not. Subscribing helps SASS grow. And please leave a comment…I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. OR, you can also leave a note for Scarlett. Thank you!

https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/

https://markel-consulting.com

https://startbybelieving.org

https://safeinharmsway.org

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