jan broberg foundation

If someone is serious about attempting to fulfil a significant, meaningful, and overwhelmingly difficult objective, the effort can often-times feel ineffective, even pointless. Having this type of purpose-filled lifegoal can be exhausting and often will end in frustration long before even a small dent can be made in the predicament. Especially if that objective is being fueled by a large accumulation of the populace who carry long-held misunderstandings of the scope of the problem, confusion on what the definition of the problem is, and/or is blatantly apathetic to the scourge. The measure of frustration is exacerbated if the plague seems to be supported, even if unwittingly, by an under-educated and seemingly indifferent social norm. When that menace is child, adolescent, or adult rape and sexual assault, the individuals striving to combat it must navigate a complex landscape of societal attitudes, legal intricacies, and deeply rooted misconceptions. Addressing such a pervasive and complex issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, advocacy, and legislative reforms. It becomes crucial to dismantle the prevailing myths surrounding rape and sexual assault, fostering a culture of empathy and awareness of the impact of trauma. As these dedicated efforts persist, it is imperative to emphasize the importance of community involvement, encouraging conversations that challenge harmful norms and empower survivors. By fostering a collective commitment to change, progress can be achieved, and the fight against sexual violence can evolve into a transformative force for societal well-being. Someone who is focused, intentional, and resolute on finding a corrective pathway to accomplishing such a tremendous and overwhelming mission can easily become exhausted and needs consistent and constant support, both emotionally and practically, to sustain their commitment. The journey towards achieving such a formidable mission demands not only inner strength but also a reliable network of allies, resources, and encouragement. In the face of persistent challenges and setbacks, having a robust support system becomes indispensable, offering the necessary motivation and reassurance to navigate the complexities of the endeavor. In my experiences of investigating the horrific and devastating crimes of rape and sexual assault, on persons of any age, as well as in my work as a trainer/consultant in this field, and now as the host of this podcast, which is dedicated to awareness and healing from these crimes, I have had the pleasure and honor of working with a multitude of both individuals and organizations whose efforts are directly involved in this very goal…reducing the prevalence, and increasing the awareness and positive societal responses, to rape and sexual assault. In fact, I have strived to highlight many of those individuals and organizations on this show. One of those individuals, who has in fact been a guest before, is back this week: Jan Broberg is here. I brought her back again to update us on what she is doing to further all those difficult, yet meaningful efforts to accomplish that which needs to be done to fight rape, sexual assault, and the apathetic societal norms that are pervasive all around us. I brought Jan back on the show as my way of providing an avenue of helping replenish her, even if in a small degree…to provide that very consistent and constant support that I just mentioned; to provide a measure of emotional and practical encouragement to help sustain her and her commitment to victims and survivors of all ages, as she had done for me in agreeing to be on my show and allowing me to be the co-host on her podcast. And to provide you, my listeners, with her ongoing sense of focus, intention, and resolution that this work takes. She’s got it. As do all the people that work with her in her non-profit foundation, and those who are members of her Thrivivors On-line Community. Jan is one of those impressive people who are doing the hard work, like many others in this small-but-mighty force of people around the globe who are striving toward the same ends. Jan won’t quit. She as much as says so in this episode. It’s powerful and it’s meaningful. I hope you listen to this, and that you Start by Believing; because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Here are some critically important links I would appreciate you looking into: #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed #safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #sassyselfdefenseguide #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #ashforduniversity #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience

54. Alan Manwaring: Ready to Tell His Story! My good friend and colleague, Alan Manwaring, has been guesting on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories for several episodes now, describing his take on the importance and impact of this show from his perspective as a survivor of childhood sexual assault.  He has also given his own opinion on how crucial it is for victims and survivors to have a platform to tell their story of sexual assault and rape, and how he perceives the healing process based on his experience with group therapy and the men’s survivor retreats that he has attended. But what he hasn’t been ready to do is share the story of his childhood experience of rape and sexual assault. That is, until now. Alan describes how the timetable of getting to this point has worked, and how he now feels that it is important to put his perspectives and insights into context. This is it. This is the beginning part of Alan’s story. I broke it into two episodes. You’re going to be impacted by this story, and you’ll be glad you tuned in. And then, you’re going to want to hear the rest of his story; you’ll have to wait ‘til next week. But it’ll be worth it. Please remember to do your part to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. How? Start By Believing. Because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Here are some important resources that I would like for you to have: …and some great hashtags, too: #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #janbroberg #safeinharmsway #epizonstrategy #intentionallyfearless #thelastimsorry #feelingsmall #sasspodcast #retiredcop #traumainformed #traumainformedexpert #sexassaultvictim #survivorsunite #rapevictim #retireddetective #sexualassaultsurvivorstories #podcast #markelconsulting #jessicapridelawfirm #gettraumainformed#safeinharmsway #projectbeloved #saan #irishangel #crimevictimsassistancecenter #coloradoassociationofsexcrimeinvestigators #girlsfightback #outdoordefense #worthfightingfor #thejanbrobergshow #thrivivors #thejanbrobergfoundation #sassyselfdefenseguide #ericbarreras #badassselfdefense #imworthfightingfor #vawa #baylor #ashforduniversity #uofaglobalcampus #psychologymajor #amandacoleman #remembermolly #fightrapeculture #forcescience

Activation warning: this episode contains explicit and graphic descriptions of attempted suicide, 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 suicide hotline by dialing 988 if you are emotionally activated or triggered by the content of this episode. Or if you are activated and need help from the national sexual assault telephone hotline, call 1-800.656.hope (4673). This is Part 2 of a 3-part series. Be sure to listen to part 1 before you begin part 2…otherwise you’ll have difficult time understanding the nuances of the events that unfold in this episode. Picking up from where we left off in Episode 51, Scarlett Robertson shares more of her complex, yet intriguing and compelling story about her on-again-off-again relationship with “Charlie” (not his real name). Scarlett is even confused by her choices, and questions her own judgement…not even realizing that what she experienced and endured was rape, and re-unites with her rapist, Charlie. Circumstances and events that transpired over the weeks that she was with Charlie make her finally realize that she doesn’t want to be with him any longer, but still doesn’t recognize that what he’d done to her before their first breakup was rape. That is, until years after she splits with Charlie, later gets married, becomes pregnant and gives birth to her son, and is going through tumultuous times with her new marriage, her work, and the COVID epidemic, that she receives some out-of-the-blue enlightenment...a realization that changes her life and sets her on a path to healing. You’ll be blown away with the twists Scarlett’s story involves. To anyone who has experienced interpersonal relationship trauma, please know that you are not alone. 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 involved becoming in The Jan Broberg Foundation’s online community of Thrivivors. 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. So, thank you! Part 3, the conclusion of Scarlett’s 3-part series, comes to life next Tuesday, October 10th, 2023…don’t miss it!

This episode is an edited version of the most recent Thrivivors Online Community, of The Jan Broberg Foundation, and features a presentation hosted by me. My presentation topic was "The Imposed Shame of Rape/Sexual Assault: what do we do with it?" and the members of the online community participated in a discussion and Q & A session on of the impact of shame on the lives of victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. It was an honor to be asked to be a guest presenter of the Thrivivors Community, and even more of an honor that Austen Tanner and Jan Broberg gave me their permission to use this presentation on this week’s SASS episode!   We discussed how shame is often imposed on victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault by society, the media, and even their own families and friends. This imposed shame can lead to a number of negative consequences, including: Self-blame: Victims and survivors may blame themselves for what happened, even though they are not to blame. Isolation: Victims and survivors may withdraw from friends and family, or avoid social situations, out of fear of being judged or rejected. Depression: Victims and survivors may experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Victims and survivors may develop PTSD, which can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms. The presentation was concluded by discussing how to cope with the imposed shame of rape and sexual assault. He emphasized the importance of self-compassion, self-talk, exercise, seeking counseling, meditating, and dwelling on gratitude. We also discussed the importance of victims and survivors to speak out about their experiences, in order to break the silence and raise awareness about this important issue.   If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape or sexual assault, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available, including The Jan Broberg Foundation’s Thrivivors Community, your local rape crisis center, and counseling. I encourage you to do whatever you can to seek help and support if you are struggling with the impacts of rape or sexual assault. Here are some links to help you in your healing journey: Cite for research paper discussed by Dave: Bhuptani, P. H., & Messman, T. L. (2022). Self-compassion and shame among rape survivors. Journal of interpersonal violence, 37(17-18), NP16575-NP16595.

38. Dave Markel: My Words on Being Trauma Informed Being trauma informed is one of the educational aspects of this podcast that I emphasize most heavily to those who are professionals that work with people who’ve experienced rape and sexual assault, and to those who personally know someone who has experienced that kind of trauma, which is pretty much every one of us. For victims and survivors to be able to talk about their rape or sexual assault, they need to feel safe. And heard. And believed. I can’t say it enough: we all need to be trauma informed. Being trauma informed goes beyond basic knowledge of trauma and aims to create that safe and supportive environment that promotes talking about the rape or sexual assault, which then leads to healing, resilience, and empowerment. In this episode I delve into some of the key aspects of what it truly means to be trauma informed. https://saprea.org https://www.instagram.com/cieralancaster/

35. Katie Stewart: 25 Years of Doubt and Confusion; Finally Finding Answers Warning: This episode is explicit and is not suitable for children or those who are particularly sensitive to the topic of rape and the associated terminology. Please use discretion when listening to thie episode. Rape trauma is an incredibly distressing experience that can have profound effects on a person's memory, emotional well-being, and overall sense of self. One of the common consequences of such trauma is memory loss, where survivors may struggle to remember specific details of the assault due to the brain's natural defense mechanism of dissociation. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned trauma researcher and psychiatrist, has extensively studied the profound impact of trauma on individuals, including the severe consequences of rape trauma. His research has shed light on the phenomenon of memory loss in survivors of sexual assault, where the trauma can be so severe that it leads to a total loss of memory regarding the rape itself. Such was the case of this week’s guest, Katie Stewart. Now in her 40’s, Katie was gang raped at age 19. The impact of that heinous act was so devastating to Katie, that for the next 25 years, Katie had only fragmentary memories of the summer events that happened after the rape, and intrusive flashbacks that made her question what really happened. Van der Kolk's research emphasizes that memory loss in rape survivors should not be interpreted as evidence of fabrication or falsehood. Instead, it highlights the complex and adaptive nature of the brain's response to trauma. The memory loss is a manifestation of the brain's attempt to shield the individual from the overwhelming pain and distress associated with the traumatic event. It was through counseling, for unrelated personal issues, that Katie started having flashback memories of the horrific experience she suffered. This, in turn, led to her eventual piecing together some of the puzzle that she is now working through to discover healing and a new perspective on life. Understanding the mechanisms behind memory loss in rape trauma is crucial for validating survivors' experiences and dispelling misconceptions. Van der Kolk's research contributes to a broader understanding of the psychological impact of sexual assault and underscores the need for trauma-informed approaches to support survivors, like Katie, in their healing journey. By recognizing the complexity of trauma and memory, we can foster empathy, provide appropriate care, and empower survivors like Katie to reclaim their lives. And this story is a prime example of why we should all Start by Believing. Give Katie's episode your close attention; it may have keys to unlocking some of your questions about the devastation of rape and sexual assault. Please share this episode with everyone you know. And also, please do your part to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. https://saprea.org https://www.instagram.com/cieralancaster/

It is an absolute pleasure and honor to welcome Jan Broberg back to the studio for this engaging conversation. Since Jan's initial appearance on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, much has transpired, making it an incredible opportunity to catch up with her. If you haven’t listened to Episode 2 of this show, I strongly encourage you to do so…you’ll then be caught up as Jan and I delve into this thought-provoking discussion about the profound impact that watching "A Friend of the Family" had on Jan, and the various paths she continues to pursue on her journey of healing. Plus, Jan gives us some insights into the growth and exciting future of The Jan Broberg Foundation! This episode is truly remarkable, and she and I are thrilled to share it with you! Please tell everyone you know about this episode, and the podcast, and please rate the episode and subscribe to Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, if you haven’t already. In addition, I’d love to hear from you directly, so please feel free to email me at the address below and let me know your thoughts about this podcast! Also, please take note of the important links below: https://saprea.org

30. Leanne Cameron: New to Telling Her Story, and Grateful She Did! WARNING: This episode is explicit and detailed in the descriptions of rape and sexual assault. It is not appropriate for children, and extreme discretion is advised in keeping the listening audience restricted to only appropriately aged and emotionally capable persons.  As with every victim/survivor who has been a guest on my show, the impact of their story has been evident and palpable, and it has made a difference in someone’s life. It’s the reason this podcast exists, and it’s why I am honored and privileged every time a survivor agrees to talk with me. But it never ceases to amaze me when someone reaches out to me, instead of me reaching out to them. Such is the case with this episode: as a response to last week’s invitation to email me if one of you, my listeners, wanted to be considered to be on this show, Leanne Cameron emailed me and shared her story of being raped as a child. Her story was compelling, and I immediately wrote back to Leanne. Those emails led to me having the privilege of having a Zoom call with Leanne, at first with the intention of discussing the possibility of having her on this show; but it only took about one minute to determine that Leanne would make an exceptional guest. She came across as articulate, able, and willing to tell her story. And it was obvious that telling her story would impact many listeners in very positive ways. It is an honor to introduce you to Leanne Cameron. Leanne’s desire in being on the show is to help other victims and survivors realize that they are not alone while, at the same time, bringing awareness to the magnitude of the widespread scourge of rape and sexual assault. Leanne has a deep desire to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault, and felt that by telling her story, and telling others to Start by Believing, she would accomplish this, and more; in her words, “I want to change people’s perceptions of victims, stop victim blaming, help Start by Believing, and understand why we can’t talk about [rape] straightaway.” Well, Leanne, you’ve got a great start on all of this. And it’s a job well done. Please listen to this episode, then tell everyone you know to give it a listen. And please rate this episode and subscribe to this podcast…even if you don’t listen to every episode; your listening helps bring justice to victims and survivors, and helps this podcast grow! Thank you for being a part of these efforts. It matters, because we all know someone whose life has been affected by rape or sexual assault. And by the way, if you’re a victim or survivor of rape, sexual assault, or any type of interpersonal violence, and you would like to be a guest on this show, email me…let’s talk about it!

26. Alan Manwaring: The Executive Director of the Jan Broberg Foundation on the Challenges of Victims and Survivors Telling Their Story In August of 2022 I was working with The Jan Broberg Show Podcast as a trauma-informed interview consultant and an adviser to The Jan Broberg Foundation. Jan told me that she was interested in having a guest on her show who had been a life-long friend of hers, and who had a story of childhood sexual assault, but wasn’t quite sure he was ready to fully express his sexual assault and rape story. She asked if I would meet him and talk to him about the process of being on her show as a guest. A short time later I met this friend of hers, Alan Manwaring. Via email, Alan shared with me a written narrative of his story; we didn’t meet until a few weeks after that; but, in an instant a strong, brother-like, bond happened. As a side note, at the time, I had no idea what an accomplished and important figure he is on the diplomatic stage of national security, and his history of helping his father in that capacity; what an amazing story that is!...he talks about that in this episode. It wasn’t long after that, that I also learned that, because of his strong and vast experience of working with non-profit organizations, Jan had asked Alan to onboard with The Jan Broberg Foundation as the Executive Director. Suddenly, Alan and I were work colleagues. It became evident to me, and him, that our shared respect and admiration for Jan and her Foundation, was going to keep us in a very strong work, and friendship, relationship. Alan and I have shared with each other our like-minded feelings of how important it is for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault to talk about their stories and to continue on the trauma recovery path, daily. Then, we decided to do an episode on this topic on my show…this is that episode! It’s another of our many endeavors to continue to help bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault, and its intent is to acknowledge what a difficult and challenging journey it is to tell others of one’s own story of victimization and the recovery process. Alan and I both hope that if you are a victim or survivor of rape, sexual assault, or any interpersonal violence for that matter, that you are encouraged and uplifted by this episode. And if you’re not in any of those situations, that you’ll have a deeper understanding of those who are. Thanks for listening, and please share this episode with everyone you know.