E74: Breaking the Silence - Kaylee Thompson's Courageous Justice Journey

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Imagine carrying a traumatic secret from age four until adulthood, then finding the strength not only to seek justice but to transform your experience into advocacy for others. This is Kaylee Thompson's remarkable story.

Thirty years after experiencing sexual assault as a toddler, Kaylee made the life-changing decision to report her abuser to police. Despite the challenges of a historic case with limited physical evidence, she persevered through an 18-month investigation that culminated in a successful conviction. Most powerfully, she chose to waive her legal anonymity, declaring: "I don't need my name hiding because that happened to me, and it's him that should feel ashamed."

Kaylee's journey illuminates the complex reality of childhood trauma - from teenage drinking to escape painful memories, to the triggers of seeing her own young children at the same age she was abused. Yet her story isn't defined by victimhood but by resilience and action. Today, she works with West Yorkshire Survivor Leaders, helping steer a £250,000 program that empowers other survivors to become agents of change. Their initiatives include a skills academy that equips women to advocate for systemic improvements in how institutions respond to sexual violence.

Through her advocacy, Kaylee challenges damaging terminology like "vulnerable victims" and champions a perspective where survivors lead conversations about reform. She's now developing a podcast platform where others can share their stories, building a community of strength and hope. Her message resonates with clarity: regardless of when abuse occurred, your voice deserves to be heard, and healing isn't just possible - it can become a catalyst for helping others find their own path to justice and recovery.

Have you experienced sexual violence and want to connect with advocacy resources? Reach out through [e-mail], and we'll connect you with Kaylee's network of survivor support.

West Yorkshire Survivor Leaders

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