120. Dave Markel: Even More Understanding of Trauma’s Impact and the Power of Being Trauma Informed

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast - SASS

In this episode, I’m diving deeper than I have in the past into what it really means to be trauma informed. No guest this week—it’s just you and me as we unpack the complexities of trauma and how it impacts survivors of rape and sexual assault on physical, emotional, and neurological levels. We’ll revisit some core ideas from Episode 115 and take them a step further, focusing on how we can show up for survivors in a way that’s not only empathetic but empowering.

We’ll explore the brain’s key players when it comes to trauma—the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—and how they respond during distressing events. Ever wonder why survivors sometimes struggle with memory or feel stuck in “survival mode”? We break it down in plain terms and discuss how chronic stress can rewire the brain, making it harder to process emotions or even trust others again.

But it doesn’t stop there; most importantly we’ll talk about six practical principles of being trauma-informed, from creating safety to empowering survivors, and how these steps can make a tangible difference in their healing journey. Whether you’re a professional in the criminal justice system, healthcare, social work, advocacy, or just someone who wants to be a better ally, this episode is packed with insights to help you take action. Together, we can foster a world where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. I hope you will also do your part to bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. You can do that by sharing this episode with others, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. Also, please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It also helps the show grow, which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence of rape culture that surrounds us all. It only takes a minute, and I truly appreciate your support.

And as always, listed below are some important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about.

Thanks again for listening!

https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org

https://www.napanews.org/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590

www.arcigrey.com

https://www.arcigrey.com/survivorschool

https://startbybelieving.org

https://evawintl.org/

https://safeinharmsway.org

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