38 {Anna Lyon} The devastation of a sexual assault cover up

Trigger warning: Sexual assault, Suicide, Losing a parent, Depression/anxiety, Post natal depression, Charging a perpetrator.

This may not be the right time or the right episode today. Give yourself permission to skip this episode and we will see you next week.

It is my absolute honour to introduce our guest for this episode, Anna Lyon.

Anna suffered trauma at a very young age when she lost her father, but that was only the beginning of what would soon become a difficult and devastating childhood when she was preyed upon by someone who should have been protecting her.

This was made even more difficult when she confided in family members about what had happened, and instead of protecting her, they covered it up.

This compounded trauma led to a long and difficult journey which recently culminated in a truly heart breaking result.

In today’s episode Anna shares:

- The devastating loss she suffered when she lost her father as a child

- The horrifying sexual assault she experienced from someone close to her family.

- How her assault was covered up by family members

- The Long term effects her trauma had on her even as an adult

- The emotional process she went through trying to see justice served.

Key Quotes

“I think that the trauma I suffered in my younger years has definitely altered the way my brain functions.”

“I feel broken, I don’t feel brave, I don’t feel strong i feel broken, but broken things can get put back together.”

“I honestly cannot put into words how important it is that these children are listened to.”

“It is easy to be bitter, it is easy to spiteful, but it's not the way that I want to live my life.”

Help resources

In Australia support for sexual assault survivors is available at 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732. Children and young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, and adult survivors of child sexual assault can seek help at the Blue Knot Foundation.

Bravehearts' provides a national Information and Support Line that can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault and exploitation. Bravehearts’ toll free 1800 272 831 Support Line is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday AEST.

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