As a survivor of sexual assault, Caleb has journeyed a path speckled with guilt, shame, and self-blame. His story magnifies the destructive power of religious trauma and the aftermath of his assault by an older man from his workplace. Fueled by his resilience, he crafted a beacon of hope from his suffering - "We're Not Powerless." A viral video about his assault gave rise to this platform that now serves as a lifeline for other survivors seeking solace and strength.
The power of language can't be underestimated, especially when it comes to addressing sensitive issues like sexual assault. Caleb and I ponder over the semantics surrounding the term 'victim' and its connotations. We share our personal transformations to the empowering label of 'survivor', and discuss the societal structures that often influence how attackers perceive their victims. Our discourse underlines the necessity of open conversations about these complex issues as an avenue to demolish systems of discrimination and oppression.
Concluding our discussion, we draw attention to the signs of grooming and its shattering consequences. Sharing a piece of my personal story, I talk about my struggle with mental health and the importance of advocacy in developing a society better prepared to tackle depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Caleb reveals his aspirations for "We're Not Powerless", aiming to normalize mental health dialogues and use it as a medium for advocacy and public speaking. Join us on this powerful journey of healing, resilience, and advocacy.
