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The brave face soldiers wear often masks unspeakable trauma—especially when that trauma comes from those sworn to have their backs in battle. Today's powerful account takes us into the heart-wrenching experience of Dana, a young Army administrative worker stationed in South Korea whose trust in a fellow soldier led to unimaginable betrayal.

Dana's story unfolds with chilling clarity: her careful navigation of social situations in a foreign country, the gradual building of trust with an aviation soldier, and the horrific night when twelve servicemen turned against one of their own. What follows is not just a harrowing account of sexual violence, but a twenty-seven-year journey through silence, self-blame, physical consequences, and eventually, hard-won healing.

The ripple effects of military sexual trauma touch every aspect of Dana's life—from crowds that trigger anxiety to VA hospital visits where she fears encountering her attackers. Yet within this painful narrative emerges a testament to human resilience. Dana's evolution from a young soldier silenced by trauma to a woman who speaks publicly about her experience illuminates the complex path survivors walk. Her story forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about military culture, accountability, and who protects those who protect us. It reminds us that while uniform colors may fade, the invisible wounds of betrayal often require a lifetime of healing.

Have you or someone you know experienced military sexual trauma? Remember that healing is possible, and you're not alone. Subscribe to hear more stories of resilience, and if you feel moved by Dana's journey, please share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.

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Sexual assault is devastating enough, but when it happens at the hands of someone you trust in a system designed to protect you, the betrayal cuts even deeper. In this raw and powerful episode, I share my personal journey of survival after being sexually assaulted by a captain at the correctional facility where I worked.

When I joined the facility as an office technician, Captain Johnson took me under his wing, offering mentorship and support for my career aspirations. He positioned himself as a father figure, even mentioning he had a daughter my age. What began as professional guidance turned sinister when celebration drinks after passing my officer exam led to him drugging and assaulting me at his home on facility grounds. Through fragmented memories and physical evidence, I pieced together the horrific truth of what happened that night.

The assault itself was traumatic, but what followed revealed an even darker reality: institutions protect their own at the expense of victims. Despite DNA evidence, text confessions, and witness testimonies, the district attorney declined to prosecute, dismissing it as "he said, she said." The internal investigation was conducted by my attacker's friend. My workers' compensation claim was denied on a technicality. My restraining order attempt collapsed against 17 character references from facility staff. Meanwhile, my perpetrator was eventually promoted to associate warden, while I faced rumors, victim-blaming, and professional obstacles.

My story exposes how power dynamics within institutions frequently silence victims while shielding abusers. Yet through this nightmare, I've found a strength I never knew I possessed. As I continue rebuilding my life, I share this experience to reach others who've been similarly betrayed by systems meant to protect them. If you've faced institutional betrayal after trauma, know that you're not alone. Your story matters, your healing matters, and together, we can demand accountability from those who hold power over our lives and safety.

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What happens when those sworn to uphold justice become perpetrators of workplace abuse? Today's episode peels back the curtain on the FBI's troubling culture of sexual misconduct and the brave women fighting for accountability.

We begin with Becky's story - a young FBI analyst sexually assaulted by a supervisory agent during her time at the academy. Despite her courage in reporting the incident, she faced dismissal in court and witnessed her attacker comfortably retire before internal investigations concluded. Her powerful words resonate: "It's much easier to suffer in isolation than to go public, but if I don't report it, I'm complicit in the culture and the institutionalized cover-up of this sort of behavior."

The episode reveals this isn't an isolated incident. Recent AP investigations show a 50% increase in sexual misconduct allegations at the FBI since their announced crackdown in 2021. These cases range from inappropriate comments to criminal sexual assault, with victims primarily being female employees. Most disturbing is the pattern of minimal consequences for supervisors and high-ranking officials caught in wrongdoing - from 60-day suspensions to quiet retirements that allow former agents to continue careers in law enforcement elsewhere.

As Martha Johnson, a recently retired FBI agent and assault survivor notes, "They're patting themselves on the back, but the environment is still the same... I've seen this scenario play out over and over for 20 years. They didn't change anything."

This episode stands as both a revealing exposé and a call to action. We must create spaces where survivors' voices are heard and valued, challenge institutional silence, and stand in solidarity with those brave enough to come forward. Remember - sharing your story can be a powerful step toward both personal healing and systemic change. If you've experienced workplace harassment or assault, know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you.

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