#58 - Sarah Hicks (Part 2): Surviving Sexual Assault, Systemic Failures, Victim-Blaming Culture, Advocacy for Change, Violence Against Women and Girls & Societal Transformation

#58 - Sarah Hicks (Part 2): Surviving Sexual Assault, Systemic Failures, Victim-Blaming Culture, Advocacy for Change, Violence Against Women and Girls & Societal Transformation

In the compelling second part of her conversation with Matthew Butler, Sarah Hicks bravely recounts her journey through trauma, survival, and advocacy for systemic change. Sarah, who once pursued a career in acting, experienced a brutal sexual assault that left her navigating a complex and often unfriendly legal system. Despite the harrowing challenges she faced, Sarah's resilience and determination have fueled her passion for advocacy, driving her to become a powerful voice for change.

During the episode, Sarah discusses the long-term psychological impacts of trauma and the systemic failures she encountered while seeking justice. Her story highlights the pervasive issue of victim-blaming culture and the critical need for reform in how sexual assault cases are handled. As a co-chair for the Violence Against Women and Girls Advisory Group, Sarah uses her lived experience to empower others and push for systemic transformation.

Sarah candidly shares her experiences of being gaslit by the police and the emotional turmoil of facing her attacker in court. Despite these challenges, she found strength in delivering her victim impact statement, which became a turning point in her advocacy journey. This moment of being heard and believed inspired Sarah to continue fighting for justice and support for other survivors.

Beyond her personal story, Sarah's work with organizations like Changing Futures and the advisory group reflects her commitment to addressing multiple unmet needs, including addiction, domestic abuse, and mental health issues. Her advocacy aims to create a more compassionate and effective support system for those affected by violence and trauma. Sarah's conversation with Matthew Butler is not only a testament to her courage and resilience but also a call to action for societal transformation.

By sharing her experiences, Sarah hopes to empower others to speak out and drive change, ensuring that future survivors are treated with dignity and respect. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and believing survivors, and the impact that advocacy can have in transforming societal attitudes and systems.