Conversations We've Never Had

Gemma Halliwell and Candice Harris consider the concept of fortitude for survivors of child sexual abuse. Through insights from their personal experiences and professional lives, Candice and Gemma explore the possibility for survivors to integrate their experiences into their work, transforming trauma into activism and change. They emphasise the importance of gentleness, creativity, and connection in advocacy, and the power of shared experiences in healing and making societal impacts. The episode also addresses the challenges and complexities involved in speaking out, the importance of solidarity among survivors and allies, and their aspiration to inspire action and hope through ongoing conversations.Each episode of the podcast focuses on a different stage of grief associated with the experience of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. 'Fortitude' is defined as: inner strength, willpower, courage.**Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. **Disclaimer: ** This podcast is a conversation between friends and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please seek support from trained professionals or organisations specialising in mental health and trauma recovery. In the UK, you can access support and find local organisations via the Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 0808 5002222. Children and young people can contact Childline 24/7 0800 1111. Internationally you can contact the RAINN Network 24/7 who may be able to signpost you to local services in your area (++) 800.656.4673. This podcast has been bought to you and funded by the Green House, a specialist support service for children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Gemma’s contribution is part of her role at the Green House and a reflection of the organisations commitment to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, raising survivors' voices, and developing leadership within the creative arts.

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell discuss love in the context of survival from child sexual abuse. Love is complex for survivors; in their exploration, Candice and Gemma share deeply personal stories about how their experiences with abuse shaped their understanding and ability to give and receive love, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing affection from manipulation, the struggle to build self-esteem and trust, and the healing power of positive, authentic relationships. The episode also touches on the importance of parental guidance in developing self-worth, the therapeutic role of creativity, and the nuances of building genuine connections as a path toward healing. Candice and Gemma aim to raise the voices of survivors by sharing their experiences and insights on navigating love after abuse, encompassing romantic relationships, self-love, and the transformative journey of healing. Each episode of the podcast focuses on a different stage of grief associated with the experience of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. 'Love' is defined as an intense feeling of deep affection; feeling deep affection for someone; like or enjoy very much. **Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. **Disclaimer: ** This podcast is a conversation between friends and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please seek support from trained professionals or organisations specialising in mental health and trauma recovery. In the UK, you can access support and find local organisations via the Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 0808 5002222. Children and young people can contact Childline 24/7 0800 1111. Internationally you can contact the RAINN Network 24/7 who may be able to signpost you to local services in your area (++) 800.656.4673.  This podcast has been bought to you and funded by the Green House, a specialist support service for children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Gemma’s contribution is part of her role at the Green House and a reflection of the organisations commitment to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, raising survivors' voices, and developing leadership within the creative arts.

In this episode, Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell focus on the debilitating state of feeling stuck after traumatic experiences, both mentally and physically. Exploring their personal stories and knowing how many survivors share aspects of them, they advocate for a better understanding from practitioners – and loved ones – of how trauma can affect the body as well as the mind and highlight the importance of whole-family support to navigate the healing process. The conversation covers the societal need for a collective healing journey, emphasising open dialogue, connection, and love.Each episode of the podcast focuses on a different stage of grief associated with the experience of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. 'Stuck' is defined as the inability to move from a particular position or place, or to change a situation.**Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.**Disclaimer: ** This podcast is a conversation between friends and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please seek support from trained professionals or organisations specialising in mental health and trauma recovery. In the UK, you can access support and find local organisations via the Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 0808 5002222. Children and young people can contact Childline 24/7 0800 1111. Internationally you can contact the RAINN Network 24/7 who may be able to signpost you to local services in your area (++) 800.656.4673. This podcast has been bought to you and funded by the Green House, a specialist support service for children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Gemma’s contribution is part of her role at the Green House and a reflection of the organisations commitment to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, raising survivors' voices, and developing leadership within the creative arts.

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell explore the idea of exposure and how it impacts survivors of child sexual abuse. Through their discussion, they focus on the aftermath of a disclosure. Highlighting the emotional vulnerability and complexity involved in revealing abuse. Sharing their personal experience and professional insights, Candice and Gemma stress the importance of creating a more empathetic, understanding, and supportive environment for survivors, discussing the social, familial, and systemic barriers to coming forward and the ongoing process of healing and empowerment.Each episode of the podcast focuses on a different stage of grief associated with the experience of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. 'Exposure' is defined as a state of having no protection against something harmful or revealing a secret, especially something embarrassing or damaging. **Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.**Disclaimer: ** This podcast is a conversation between friends and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please seek support from trained professionals or organisations specialising in mental health and trauma recovery. In the UK, you can access support and find local organisations via the Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 0808 5002222. Children and young people can contact Childline 24/7 0800 1111. Internationally you can contact the RAINN Network 24/7 who may be able to signpost you to local services in your area (++) 800.656.4673. This podcast has been bought to you and funded by the Green House, a specialist support service for children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Gemma’s contribution is part of her role at the Green House and a reflection of the organisations commitment to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, raising survivors' voices, and developing leadership within the creative arts.

Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell reflect on the silent moment before a disclosure, the quiet struggle of carrying a traumatic secret and the complete disintegration of self that can occur within a survivor. Confronting the complexity and fallout of revealing the abuse, they discuss the importance of survivor empathy and understanding in society. Each episode of the podcast focuses on a different stage of grief associated with the experience of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. 'Abyss' is defined as a deep or bottomless chasm, symbolising the profound silence and darkness that survivors experience prior to disclosure of abuse. **Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.**Disclaimer: ** This podcast is a conversation between friends and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please seek support from trained professionals or organisations specialising in mental health and trauma recovery. In the UK, you can access support and find local organisations via the Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 0808 5002222. Children and young people can contact Childline 24/7 0800 1111. Internationally you can contact the RAINN Network 24/7 who may be able to signpost you to local services in your area (++) 800.656.4673. This podcast has been bought to you and funded by the Green House, a specialist support service for children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Gemma’s contribution is part of her role at the Green House and a reflection of the organisations commitment to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, raising survivors' voices, and developing leadership within the creative arts.

In their very first episode, hosts Candice Harris and Gemma Halliwell introduce themselves and their podcast. Both survivors of child sexual abuse, their passion behind creating this podcast focuses on the importance of open conversation about this often silenced topic. Through sharing their personal stories alongside expertise gained from working as researchers and practitioners in the field, they place an emphasis on shifting the narrative on child sexual abuse and advocate for a collective response. Reflecting on the fact that the impacts of trauma are lifelong, they also share their hopes for a life of colour alongside the darkness of the past.Each episode of the podcast focuses on a different stage of grief associated with the experience of being a survivor of child sexual abuse. 'Junction' symbolises the start of their conversation, an important milestone on their journey to inspire change, a point where many paths converge, leading to healing, understanding and hope for survivors.  **Content Warning: ** This episode discusses themes related to childhood sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.**Disclaimer: ** This podcast is a conversation between friends and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice or therapy. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please seek support from trained professionals or organisations specialising in mental health and trauma recovery. In the UK, you can access support and find local organisations via the Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 0808 5002222. Children and young people can contact Childline 24/7 0800 1111. Internationally you can contact the RAINN Network 24/7 who may be able to signpost you to local services in your area (++) 800.656.4673. This podcast has been bought to you and funded by the Green House a specialist support service for children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Gemma’s contribution is part of her role at the Green House and a reflection of the organisations commitment to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse, raising survivors' voices, and developing leadership within the creative arts.