Sexual Assault Survivor Stories Podcast

This week it’s just me. I want to clear up any confusion on my view of what rape culture is, and how we can do something about it. There’s a lot in here about the impact of rape culture. Please listen in! It’s time we start normalizing the conversation.  An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address:    I truly look forward to hearing from you! On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link:  Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.   My email address: Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, believing and supporting survivors is a crucial step in bringing justice and healing.

Today I have the privilege of hosting Violeta Bagia, an accomplished author hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Australia. Violeta joins me to share her profound journey, intertwining her experiences as a survivor with her passion for storytelling. Her writing career, marked by a poignant blend of resilience and empathy, has captivated readers worldwide. Today, she opens up about her personal ordeal with rape and manipulation, bravely navigating the aftermath and reclaiming her narrative through prose. Born and raised in Bosnia-Herzegovina she and her mother immigrated to Germany when Violeta was a small child, then to Australia, leaving her father behind to fight in the army. It wasn’t an easy transition for Violeta. There were massive cultural changes to navigate and new languages to learn. Through all of this, she also had to endure bullying from her peers. Violeta's journey into literature began as a means of catharsis—a way to articulate the complexities of trauma and healing. Her memoir and fictional works not only resonate with authenticity but also serve as a beacon of hope for survivors seeking solace and understanding. In this episode, she reflects on the transformative power of storytelling in her own recovery journey and offers profound insights into the healing process. In this amazing and insightful interview, we delve into the broader implications of her work, discussing the societal impact of survivor stories and the evolving conversation on trauma and recovery. Her perspective is truly a pathway into the understanding of her resilience, shedding light on the intersections of creativity, advocacy, and personal empowerment. Violeta takes us on a journey of courage, compassion, and resilience. It’s an understatement when I say that her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of narrative in fostering empathy and healing. You’ve got to give this a listen! These links will get you to all things Violeta! Please take the journey of checking out all of these! Violeta’s main website :    Amazon AU :     Amazon US:  Dragonfly Publishing:  An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address:   I truly look forward to hearing from you! On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link:  Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about.   My email address:   Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, believing and supporting survivors is a crucial step in bringing justice and healing.

Hi! I'm glad you're here!...this is some powerful information. When you listen to this episode, consider this: Nicole is more than just a business colleague and mutual advocate for bringing justice to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence; she is a good friend, confidant, and someone whose integrity and unwavering dedication inspire everyone around her to do better and be better, both professionally and personally. I want to tell you a little bit more about Nicole than I have in past episode notes, because who she is, and what she has accomplished, is important for you to know in understanding why I consider Nicole such an important asset to this show. Nicole Florisi is a dedicated law enforcement professional from Jerome, Arizona, with a career that spans over two decades. Her commitment to justice, education, and community well-being is truly inspiring, and it’s the kind of dedication I strive for both personally and professionally. However, Nicole has taken it even further with her impressive and multifaceted expertise, which uniquely places her at the intersection of policing, mental health, and survivor advocacy—areas where her impact is felt deeply. You’ll hear the dedication and passion in her voice as the interview goes on. Nicole's journey began in the Verde Valley region of Arizona, where she served as a police officer and later as a sergeant. She maintains her law enforcement certification and continues to serve with Jerome PD as a reserve officer. Beyond her law enforcement roles, Nicole's vision for supporting survivors led her to become the executive director of a women's shelter, where she applied her skills to advocate for and empower those affected by interpersonal violence. In a previous employment position with Virtra, Nicole authored 15 hours of curriculum for VirTra's V-VICTA® program, focusing on topics like mental illness, trauma, and crisis communication. Transitioning from frontline policing to specialized training, Nicole became a law enforcement subject matter expert and instructor with Force Science, an organization renowned for its research and training in human behavior and use-of-force science. Her work emphasizes the importance of brain fitness and resilience for first responders, integrating psychological principles into practical training to enhance decision-making and reduce harm. Impressive? Absolutely! And this is how Force Science describes Nicole: Nicole has extensive experience as an educator, police officer, and therapist. She provides front-line instruction in de-escalation, crisis communications, and force encounters investigations. With over 25 years of experience, she has held positions including communications specialist, patrol officer, patrol sergeant, investigator, and acting chief. She has held previous roles as a Law Enforcement Subject Matter Expert at and as the Executive Director for the ; a shelter dedicated to providing services for victims of sex trafficking, sexual violence, and domestic violence. Nicole is currently working on her doctorate in clinical psychology. She holds two post-master’s degrees; one in Human Factors Psychology and one in Trauma Counseling; an M.S. in Professional Counseling; and a B.S. in Public Safety Administration and Emergency Management. (Cite: ; 27 May 2025) Her academic pursuits complement her professional experience, allowing her to contribute to the development of evidence-based training programs that address the complexities of modern law enforcement encounters. Nicole's approach is grounded in scientific research, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice in policing. Nicole's commitment extends beyond training and education; she actively engages in initiatives that promote mental health and wellness within the law enforcement community. Her work includes teaching de-escalation techniques, crisis communication, and conducting critical incident debriefings that support officers' mental health and resilience. By fostering a culture of wellness, Nicole advocates for a paradigm shift in how law enforcement agencies approach officer well-being and community interactions. I hope this biographical information provides insight into why I regard Nicole as not only a top-tier professional and expert contributor to everything SASS represents, but also why I hold her in the highest regard both professionally and personally as a valued friend. Thank you, Nicole for guesting this week on SASS…you are truly appreciated! An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address:   I truly look forward to hearing from you! On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link:    Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at, and learn more about.    My email address: Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, believing and supporting survivors is a crucial step in bringing justice and healing.

This episode is a deep dive into the transformative journeys of individuals making significant strides in trauma recovery and advocacy. I am finally having the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Victor Lyons, a dedicated trauma incident reduction coach whose work has reshaped the landscape of trauma recovery. Victor Lyons was introduced to me through Derrick Hurley (Episodes 125 through 128), and brings to this show a wealth of experience and expertise in his role as a trauma incident reduction coach. With a background rooted in psychology and extensive training in trauma-informed care, Victor has dedicated his career to empowering survivors of trauma, particularly those affected by sexual assault. His approach integrates evidence-based techniques with compassionate guidance, ensuring that each survivor receives personalized support on their path to healing. Central to Victor's methodology is trauma incident reduction, a nuanced therapeutic approach designed to help survivors navigate and process their traumatic experiences. Through structured sessions and empathetic listening, Victor creates a safe space where survivors can explore their emotions and confront past traumas at their own pace. His holistic approach not only addresses the immediate psychological impacts of trauma but also fosters long-term resilience and emotional well-being. Beyond his clinical practice, Victor Lyons is a passionate advocate for trauma survivors, actively engaging in public speaking and educational initiatives to raise awareness about trauma recovery and the importance of trauma-informed care. His advocacy extends to training professionals across various fields, equipping them with the tools and understanding needed to support survivors effectively. Join us as we explore Victor Lyons' profound insights and impactful contributions to the field of trauma recovery. His dedication to empowering survivors and promoting trauma-informed practices serves as a beacon of hope and healing in the international community. If you’d to learn more about Victor, or even reach out to him with the prospect of becoming a client, a TIR facilitator, or both, here are some ways to do that: WhatsApp Contact: +34 684 30 17 27 An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address:   I truly look forward to hearing from you! On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link:   Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at, and learn more about, including a recent article about the DOJ investigation into the NYPD Special Victims Unit, mentioning Leslie McFadden from Episode 137. Please take the time to read the article…and thank you.     My email address: Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, believing and supporting survivors is a crucial step in bringing justice and healing.

This is the concluding episode of Leslie McFadden’s appearance on Sexual Assault Survivor Stories. Leslie’s experience is a powerful example of the systemic issues that many survivors face. In October 2015, she was drugged and raped in Brooklyn. The last thing she remembers was drinks on Stone Street; she would wake up in a hospital many hours later, not knowing what happened. Slowly, she began to piece together that something terrible had occurred. When Leslie reported her sexual assault to the NYPD's Special Victims Unit, she faced additional trauma. One of the first questions a detective asked her was whether this was truly a case of assault or just regret. The next day, she was asked to make a controlled call to the perpetrator, during which he admitted to the assault. Immediately after, the detective presented her with a form that she was told would put her case on hold pending further evidence. Unbeknownst to her, this was actually a case closure form, which she signed while in distress. The detective never spoke to the assailant and closed the case without further investigation. Leslie's story is not unique. She became one of 19 survivors to urge the federal Department of Justice to open an investigation into how the NYPD handled sexual assault survivors and their cases. In 2022, the DOJ opened an investigation into the NYPD's Special Victims Unit to examine whether the department discriminated against sexual assault survivors when conducting their investigations. This episode is the conclusion of a two-part encounter. Leslie is an articulate, strong, and influential voice for victims and survivors everywhere; her ongoing goal is to make a lasting change in this world, to help overcome rape culture, and encourage law enforcement to become trauma-informed, empathic, and thorough in the investigation of rape and sexual assault. As I mentioned in last week’s episode, a former guest of SASS, Rachel Izzo, introduced me to Leslie. If you haven't heard Rachel Izzo's episodes, I encourage you to take the time to listen to those as well. Rachel and Leslie share similar experiences with the New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, and have both shown immense courage in sharing their stories. An important side note: if you’re finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can’t tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here’s my email address:   I truly look forward to hearing from you! Thank you again for being part of this journey with me. Don’t miss next week’s episode as I bring you another compelling and insightful guest. In the meantime, I encourage you to share this podcast with your friends, family, and colleagues. Spread the word about Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, as we continue to amplify the voices of victims and survivors, normalize the conversation, and educate the public and professionals on the importance of trauma-informed care. Together we can help reduce the prevalence of the rape culture that is rampant in our society. Subscribe and Support: Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories; and give us a five-star rating! Your support helps us continue to provide this important platform for survivors and advocates alike. 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. 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. On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link: Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn more about, including a recent article about the DOJ investigation into the NYPD Special Victims Unit, mentioning Leslie McFadden. Please take the time to read the article…and thank you. https://risenow.us/     My email address: Thank you for joining us for this important conversation. Remember, believing and supporting survivors is a crucial step in bringing justice and healing.