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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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Long before Jeffrey Dahmer became a household name as the Milwaukee Cannibal who murdered 17 young men, he left a trail of destruction that extended beyond his known victims. This episode reveals the harrowing account of Preston, a fellow soldier whose life was forever altered after a sexual assault during their time together in the Army in 1979.

When Preston, an exemplary soldier, was assigned to train the newly arrived Dahmer, he couldn't have anticipated how this routine assignment would derail his promising military career. During a training exercise, their vehicle broke down, leaving them isolated for several days—a period during which Preston was sexually assaulted by Dahmer. Believing he was drugged due to significant memory gaps, Preston carried the shame and trauma of this assault in silence for years.

The ripple effects of trauma permeate every aspect of this story. Preston's once-stellar military career spiraled downward following the assault, leading to his eventual discharge after nine years of service. His marriage collapsed, he lost contact with his children, and he struggled with alcoholism and ongoing physical health issues directly related to the assault. Perhaps most devastating is the guilt Preston carries, wondering if speaking up sooner might have prevented Dahmer's subsequent crimes. His story reminds us that behind sensationalized headlines about serial killers lie numerous survivors whose lives were irreversibly changed not by death, but by surviving encounters that left invisible yet profound scars.

Have you experienced trauma that continues to affect your life? Sharing your story can be a powerful step toward healing. Email unadvertisedinfocrime@gmail.com to connect with us, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss our weekly Friday episodes where we continue to bring light to the stories that too often remain in darkness.

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Sexual assault in the military remains one of America's most devastating hidden crises, with survivors often suffering in silence for decades. Today's powerful account follows Damien, a young Army recruit whose life was forever altered during a weekend in the barracks when fellow soldiers drugged and sexually assaulted him.

The trauma of that night haunted Damien for over twenty years. Facing a military culture that prizes masculinity and protects higher ranks, he kept his assault secret, knowing that reporting could lead to retaliation rather than justice. When alcohol problems emerged at his next duty station, even the base chaplain dismissed his suffering. Like countless male victims, Damien carried the weight of shame, humiliation, and an expectation that he should have somehow fought back or prevented his assault.

Damien's story exposes the critical need for systemic reform within military institutions. His attackers weren't just shielded from consequences—they were promoted, while he struggled alone with the psychological aftermath. Only after two decades did he finally disclose his assault to Veterans Affairs. This stark reality demands the implementation of independent reporting systems that operate outside the chain of command, ensuring survivors can safely come forward without fear of reprisal. As we confront these uncomfortable truths, we must remember that healing begins with listening to survivors and committing to meaningful change. Share this episode to help break the silence surrounding military sexual assault and support those still suffering in isolation.

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