This show seems to inevitably bring guests that are not only willing to share their sexual assault or rape experience with this audience, but who have the true desire to help, inspire, and uplift others on their own healing journey. Melissa Fairchild is an exceptional example, and I am honored that she reached out to me, asking to be a guest on this show. She is the epitome of a sexual assault and rape victim turned survivor, whose fortitude and strength exude from her words. Melissa is now unabashedly and powerfully working toward helping others who have experienced similar atrocities so that they, too, can thrive like she is. It truly is a privilege to introduce you to Melissa and present her experiences, successes, and hopes for your edification!

Melissa’s first trauma was forced on her at age 12 by the father of one of her neighborhood playmates. Frightened and stunned by her sexual assault, she struggled to understand and make sense of what happened to her. But before she could fully make sense of the trauma she experienced, she was raped multiple times by another playmate neighborhood predator who had targeted Melissa to be his prey. The repeated rapes left her even more confused about what was happening and ripped her identity and self-confidence away from her. She struggled just to get through her days. Fear permeated her existence. And if that wasn’t enough, that same perpetrator trafficked her to five adult males and his mentally disabled brother. This only left Melissa even more vulnerable as she matured and grew into young adulthood where the sexual assaults and rapes continued. Melissa’s experiences are appalling and sad. Which is why her recovery and healing experiences are so very compelling. Listen to this amazingly powerful story, and then share it with others…as I’ve said multiple times, and Melissa agrees, we need to make these discussions and painful experiences normalized so that we can use them to change the rape culture we live in. Much can be gained in our society by sharing this episode.

Don’t stop there. Do your part to help bring justice to victims and survivors. One massively important way to do this is to Start by Believing (End Violence Against Women International) the experiences shared by victims and survivors as we absorb and come to comprehend the reality of the prevalence of these crimes and work to lessen that prevalence. This may not be common knowledge in our families, friendships, and workplaces, but, we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. Think about that for a while, then make this podcast part of your weekly routine. Subscribe. Rate the show. And share it with everyone you know. You’ll be making a huge contribution in helping reduce the prevalence of rape, sexual assault, and interpersonal violence.

Here are some important sites that I hope you’ll take the time to look at. Contribute monetarily where/when you can, and if you can’t afford to contribute with money, do your part in sharing this podcast whenever and wherever you can. Thank you!

https://Markel-Consulting.com

https://startbybelieving

https://evawintl.org/

https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org

https://safeinharmsway.org

davemarkel@gmail.com