OPEN STANCE

In this episode I have the privilege of hosting for the 2nd time American Jon Vaughn. Former Michigan University and NFL football player, Jon is an outspoken global leader advocating for survivors of sexual assault. In this segment Jon speaks to us open heartedly about how Headspace Health has been such a critical resource and service guiding his recovery and healing from sexual abuse.  Thanks for listening and please remember to share this information with others. You never know who may need it or how it can truly help someone else. It is my honor and privilege to welcome Jon Vaughn to Open Stance. 

One of the most important honours I have ever received was my invitation to present at Marymount High School in Los Angeles, my alma mater, with the extraordinary support of Beth Cranston, the Director of the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center, and her extraordinary team providing essential support and learnings. Speaking to the 9th graders, my talk focuses on sharing information about sexual assault and rape with the heart of my presentation emphasising education around prevention, awareness, healing from trauma and available support services. As you will learn in this presentation, this education is what I needed before I left high school for Duke University. I am filled with a sense of absolute pride for Marymount High School at their decision to support my presentation discussing confronting issues like sexual abuse and assault. This is incredibly responsible education which can help equip students, educators and families with potentially life-saving information and critical support services for themselves or for someone they know who has been impacted by sexual violence. Looking into the faces of these vibrant students was a defining moment for me... knowing without doubt that the most important action I can take is to lead by example every day, share my truth and continue breaking the silence as a way to create awareness, contribute to prevention, eliminate the stigmas surrounding sexual abuse, offer support to survivors and send the impactful message that true healing and full recovery from sexual abuse is possible. This education can help save lives. Thank you for sharing across your networks so we can extend our reach to those who need it.

This is segment four of a five-part series which looks into the heart of domestic violence. In this episode, I have the privilege to speak with Thelma Schwartz. Thelma is the Principal Legal Officer at the Queensland Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS) based in the Head office in Cairns Australia. She has over 23 years of legal experience delivering critical services to victims within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory. This is an intimate, powerful and informative conversation in which we learn how Thelma's own trauma surviving childhood family violence makes her work a deeply personal and empowering experience. It is my privilege and honor to welcome Thelma Schwartz to Open Stance.

This is episode three of a five-part series which looks into the heart of domestic violence where our guests share personal stories discussing the emotional and physical abuse towards a partner, former partner or family members. In this episode, I speak with Junior “The One” Talipeau, a New Zealand born Samoan raised in Sydney Australia. Junior, is an Australian professional boxer and former Super Middleweight Champion. His remarkable career includes 25 professional fights in Australia and on the world stage. Junior is a child witness and survivor of family domestic violence. Raised in a home terrorised by a violent father, Junior talks about his life's mission to fight against the atrocities of domestic violence and to find ways his experience can help break the cycle of abuse. Junior speaks about the impact of domestic violence in his life and how deep rooted anger and broken trust manifested in his teens; he speaks about justice and the power of healing through “opening up” to have tough and confronting conversations. We also hear from Junior how strong mentors and finding the love of God saved his life. Junior's episode is critical education and a powerful message of hope that must be shared. It is my privilege and honor to welcome Junior Talipeau to Open Stance.

This five part series is a confronting journey into the heart of domestic violence where our guests share personal stories discussing the emotional and physical abuse towards a partner, former partner or family member. We have the privilege to listen to brave and intensely personal conversations of victim-survivors and frontline domestic violence advocates who share confronting insight educating our audience on what domestic and family violence is, who is at risk, what domestic violence involves and what forms it can take. And through these tough conversations we learn about the harrowing aftermath of domestic violence and the life long impact it has on individuals and communities around the world. In this episode, I speak with Kylie O'Connor the Barefoot Warrior Coach. This remarkable woman dedicates her life to helping victim-survivors recover their self worth after domestic violence. Kylie fearlessly opens up and shares with us her personal experience with domestic violence and the trauma of abusive relationships especially in relation to the LGBTQI community. You will hear from Kylie about the cycle of violence, forms of abuse, shame, safety plans, escaping violence, homelessness, gaslighting, domestic violence in lesbian relationships, healing from trauma, and breaking the cycle of abuse. This is a forceful conversation which delivers critical education, important support and necessary understanding around the complexity of domestic violence-information we all need to hear in order to stop these crimes of violence. Kylie's Blog https://barefootwarriorhome.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/the-journey-begins/ FB group Barefoot Warrior Coaching https://www.facebook.com/barefootwarriorcoaching The Warrior's Way https://www.facebook.com/groups/barefootwarriordiscussion/?ref=share_group_link LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-o%E2%80%99connor-barefoot-warrior-coaching-590482192/

Ashton Wood - Founder and CEO of Australian Charity DV Safe Phone https://dvsafephone.org/ DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence (DV) through registered charities, safe houses and authorities serving this vulnerable community. Our Safe Phones are then provided as part of an individual's 'safe' or 'escape' plan' offering a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most. This special 5 part series is a confronting journey into the heart of domestic violence where our guests share personal stories discussing the emotional and physical abuse towards a partner, former partner or family member. We have the privilege to listen to brave and intensely personal conversations of victim-survivors and frontline domestic violence advocates who share confronting insight educating our audience on what domestic and family violence is, who is at risk, what domestic violence involves and what forms it can take. And through these tough conversations we learn about the harrowing aftermath of domestic violence and the life long impact it has on individuals and communities around the world. In ep 1, we hear from Ashton Wood, Founder and CEO of Australian charity DV Safe Phone. Established in response to COVID-19 lock downs, DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence in need. This is done in partnership with registered charities, safe houses and law enforcement authorities serving this vulnerable community. A practical, community-driven initiative, DV Safe Phone has to date facilitated the delivery of over 3,000 safe phones to enable victims to access help when it is needed most. Welcome Ashton Wood to Open Stance. To contact Ashton Wood and DV Safe Phone Ashton Wood Founder & CEO, DV Safe Phone Ph: 1300 151 939 Mob: 0412 281 900 Intl: +61 2 72288843 Email: ashton@dvsafephone.org Find us on Web | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter All donations over $2 to DV Safe Phone are fully tax deductible.

In this episode I am joined by a truly remarkable and prominent Australian leader, Dr. Cathy Kezelman, AM. Cathy is the President and CEO of Australia's Blue Knot Foundation-The National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. This organization is driven by their vision “To reach the more than 1-4 adult Australians impacted by Complex Trauma.” Cathy was recognized in 2015 by the Australian government when she was awarded the AM (Member of the Order) “for significant service to community health as a supporter and advocate for survivors of child abuse”. Cathy speaks with us from a place of intense personal understanding and compassion as she is a survivor who lost a decade of her childhood to sexual abuse. Cathy's story is bravely shared in her memoir: Innocence Revisited: A Tale in Parts. Listeners will hear from Cathy crucially important information, education and understanding around WHAT is complex trauma, HOW these experiences can present in childhood, adulthood and into old age and WHAT options are available for people to receive specialized trauma-informed support. But the most resounding message Cathy shares in this episode is a message of HOPE. As a prominent leader, medical professional and advocate, Cathy stays focused on the message that RECOVERY and HEALING from complex trauma is absolutely possible. Thank you Cathy for this profound contribution of information, education and support. It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to Open Stance. For Dr. Cathy's Kezelman's full bio please visit: https://blueknot.org.au/about-us/our-people/executive/ Blue Knot Foundation website https://blueknot.org.au/about-us/ Innocence Revisted: A Tale in Two Parts by Dr. Cathy Kezelman (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Innocence-Revisited-Dr-Cathy-Kezelman/dp/0980619335 FB: https://www.facebook.com/BlueKnotFoundation/ IG: @blueknotfoundation YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/blueknotorgau Twitter: Blue Knot Foundation @BlueKnotOrg

JAKIA LINDLEY IS A WRITER, US AIRFORCE STAFF SERGEANT, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE, CERTIFIED RESILIENCY INSTRUCTOR, WIFE AND MOTHERJAKIA IS THE AUTHOR OF HER MEMOIR TITLED WAR AT HOME.THIS BOOK IS JAKIA'S CANDID AND VULNERABLE ACCOUNT OF HER EXPERIENCES AS A WOMAN SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WHERE SHE ENDURED SEXUAL ASSAULT, ABUSE, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND AS A WOMAN OF COLOR OUTRIGHT RACISM FROM THOSE IN POSITIONS OF POWERFOR MANY YEARS JAKIA SUFFERED THE TRAUMAS OF ABUSE ALONE AND IN SILENCE AND HER WARS - AS SHE POWERFULLY COMMUNICATES-WERE NOT IN FOREIGN LANDS- THEY ARE AT HOMEJAKIA RISKS HER PERSONAL SAFETY AND CAREER BY SHARING HER STORY AND LIFE EXPERIENCES FOR THE FIRST TIME PUBLICLY IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF COUNTLESS MILITARY SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SUFFER IN SILENCE AND WHO HAVE ULTIMATELY BEEN LET DOWN BY A SYSTEM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT THEMIT IS MY HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO WELCOME JAKIA LINDLEY TO OPEN STANCE

Hello and welcome to Open Stance.I am your host,Tracey Hiete Smith, and in this episode I am joined by Trinea Gonczar.Trinea is a former elite gymnast from Lansing, Michigan where she trained under 2012 Gold Medal Olympic Women's Gymnastics coach John Geddert. (Geddert was charged in 2018 on multiple criminal charges including sex trafficking and first degree criminal sexual assault involving a minors. Geddert died by suicide in 2021 shortly after being charged with felony crimes)In 2018, the world watched in anguish, as Trinea stood in court and delivered a heart wrenching Victim Impact Statement to her abuser, the former renowned USA Olympic gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar. Her statement went global within hours.Trinea was 37 years old when she first confronted the realization that she too was one of hundreds of victims of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her perpetrator Larry Nassar. It has been recognized that Trinea is one the earliest victims enduring an estimated 800 “treatments” beginning at 6 years old.Since the trial, Trinea has joined forces with the Avalon Healing Center in Michigan, as the Director of Development, where she focuses on bringing national awareness to the comprehensive services available to victims of sexual assault and abuse.http://avalonhealing.orgTrinea features in the HBO documentary At The Heart of Gold: Inside The USA Gymnastics Scandal, in 2022 is a guest on the Dr. Phil Show and Trinea was honored in 2018 at the ESPYS- one of hundreds of brave survivors-receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Trinea was named one of Glamour Magazines 2018 Women of the Year and also has been featured in an NPR produced podcast called “BELIEVED”. Additionally, Trinea features in the books “The Girls” by Abigail Pesta and “Start By Believing: Larry Nassar's Crimes, The Institutions that Enabled Him, and the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster” by John Barr and Dan Murphy.In this episode, Trinea takes us on a deeply personal and intimate journey into her life after the trial, when the international media frenzy dies down and life returns to routine. What happens next for Trinea when she is left to cope with her truth as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse? This is an exceptionally raw and emotional conversation in which Trinea shares the very human side of her trauma from childhood sexual abuse. She confronts her truths when coping with the immense emotions of guilt and shame and talks about Finding Time to Heal in the throes of family life, pregnancy, motherhood and career. Trinea opens up about the self destructive, “Band Aid fix” behaviors which can present in a survivor's life when trauma is unresolved. We hear from Trinea about the impact on her marriage and intimacy issues after assault and listen to her encouraging and profound belief in the power of connection to help heal.I am so sorry Trinea for the childhood abuse you have suffered. I am so inspired and so proud of your determination to push through your own pain in order to help support and protect others. And without doubt, your voice and your ability to share your experiences- in the midst of your own healing- is helping thousands. Thank You.It is my honor and privilege, to welcome this beautiful human and fierce advocate for survivors, Trinea Gonczar to Open Stance.http://avalonhealing.org

Open Stance with former University of Michigan Wolverine running back & NFL professional for the Chiefs, Patriots & Seahawks - JON VAUGHN Jon Vaughn has spent a lifetime meeting challenges. From a troubled childhood, that included years of sexual violence, to a spot on the famed University of Michigan Wolverines football team where Jon became a victim of repeated sexual abuse at the hands of Athletic Department Physician Dr. Robert Anderson. Now, the challenges Jon faces include thyroid cancer, but, more notable, is his fierce focus on challenging the University of Michigan to acknowledge his and hundreds of other victim's sexual abuse and the institutional cover-up which enabled Dr. Anderson to commit these atrocious crimes over the course of forty years. This challenge, like all those presented before him, Jon is tackling head on. It is my honor and privilege to welcome this warrior for justice, Jon Vaughn, to Open Stance.

Damien Rider is a multi world record breaking endurance athlete and his extraordinary physical feats have been featured in two National Geographic documentaries. He is a Global Motivational Speaker, Mentor, Coach and the creator of One Breath Meditation. Damien is also internationally recognized for his humanitarian work creating awareness around childhood sexual abuse and has been a speaker in Ted Talks in Asia Pacific and the United States. Damien is a committed ambassador for an Australian organization called The Blue Knot Foundation that dedicates its services to the support, prevention and awareness of childhood abuse. It is his impactful work which saw Damien nominated two times for Australian of the Year. Damien's childhood is deeply scarred by years of abusive physical and sexual violence. Today, he speaks openly about how he uses extreme sports and One Breath Meditation to overcome trauma. Damien's story is an invigorating example of how survivors can rise up and find pathways forward through personal barriers to places of inner peace.To contact Damien Rider:https://www.dropbox.com/s/xnra8vr5sfipp5s/memphis%20speech%20bKF.mp4?dl=0http://www.obmlearning.comdamienrider.comIG: @damienriderFor information on the The Blue Knot Foundation:https://blueknot.org.auIG: @blueknotfoundation

John-Michael Lander is a former international US springboard and platform diver. After his competitive diving career, John-Michael went on to pursue a career in entertainment as an actor where he is known for roles in television, film and theatre. John-Michael is also known for his work as an author, coach, public speaker and teacher. Currently, John- Michael is pursuing his PH.D in Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Additionally, John-Michael is passionately committed to building his Arbonne business to promote good health and wellness for all. Today we hear from a very personal side of John Michael's life. He is a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and their supporters. John Michael's life story includes the harrowing experience of surviving the grooming process and subsequent years of sexual abuse at the hands of his coaches, mentors and benefactors. John Michael takes us on a raw and personal journey through his experience of grooming and sexual abuse as a young male athlete and the tough years confronting the aftermath and trauma of these crimes. It is with remarkable focus and purpose that John Michael shares his voice in support of all survivors and those people with a survivor in their life. John Michael works and consults with organisations and individuals through webcasts, workshops, key note speaker engagements and events to deliver critical information about grooming tactics, manipulation and stigmatising of sexual abuse. Most recently, John- Michael is focused on understanding some of the physical manifestations of sexual assault and abuse. John-Michael says, "I have been concerned about finding a solution for Survivors' Long-Term Effects of Inflammation due to Negative Self-Talk. I have been thinking and wanting to understand how the negative self-talk that I developed during and after my traumatic events can cause inflammation, attack the immune system, cause pain and discomfort, and possibly lead to disease(s). I have discovered that easing or relieving the inflammation in my body allows me to have more energy and strength to examine the negative self-talk that I have consciously and unconsciously been saying to myself for most of my life. I have found a way to ease the effects of inflammation. Once I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a friend told me about Arbonne's natural plant-based program entitled 30 Days to Healthy Living. This program changed my life so much that I have decided to become a Consultant. Combining exercising, meditating, and listening to positive self-talk recordings, eating Healthier has assisted in moving my body into a more alkaline state and easing the inflammation. " Please see links below to contact John-Michael for more information. Arbonne: http://johnlander.arbonne.com An Athlete's Silence: http://anathletessilence.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnmichaellander1214 Surface Tension: https://rb.gy/aldgbi Cracked Surface: https://rb.gy/7etvs5 Twitter: @jm27land Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmichaellander-31131075/ The Army Of Survivors: https://thearmyofsurvivors.org/

Dr. Patricia Resick is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University. Prior to Duke, Dr. Resick was the Director of the Women's Health Sciences Division at the National Center for PTSD. Dr. Resick is globally recognized for her profound contributions to the field of psychiatry and mental health treatments and is credited with developing Cognitive Processing Therapy. CPT is proven to be one of the best treatments available for PTSD. This is a critically informative discussion from a leading global expert on what exactly happens in the brain when a person experiences sexual assault or sexual violence. Dr. Resick delivers crucial information to empower survivors with knowledge which can help them to understand the severe neurological disorders common to rape and sexual assault victims. Without this understanding, it is possible for a survivor to live a life time stuck in trauma and coping daily with countless, unhealthy physical and emotional issues. This can be life saving education for someone. Thank you for sharing this episode with survivors and/or any person who has a survivor in their life. Links from Episode: http://www.cptforptsd.com http://www.cognitiveprocessingtherapy.org.au/ https://www.flinders.edu.au/engage/community/clinics/posttraumatic-stress-clinic

Welcome to Open Stance. A platform created to cultivate, build, and nurture a unified and connective educational space for survivors and advocates of sexual abuse and sexual violence. Today, I speak with American Jessica Johnson- a former star scholarship track & field athlete for the University of Arkansas Lady razorbacks. In 2004, Jessica's impressive athletic and academic achievements were recognised and honored when she was named the NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of Arkansas. However, behind the accolades and accomplishments of this stand out student athlete is the painful story of her experience of surviving sexual grooming and sexual abuse at the hands of her trusted university track & field coach John Rembao. Jessica fearlessly sheds light on this horrific abuse of power, the emotional and physical aftermath she suffered as a result of this abuse and how she and countless other student-athletes were failed by the people and institutions who were meant to be protecting and empowering them. Jessica Johnson's voice is brave. She is fierce in integrity and commitment as she and two of her former college teammates pursue a class action lawsuit to have the laws and policies reformed making our sporting institutions accountable and safe for all athletes.

Kris Pedretti was 15 years old when the infamous Golden State Killer broke into her family's home and viciously and repeatedly raped her just before Christmas in 1976.Kris was quoted many years later when she said,“MY WORLD WAS SMALL, PREDICTABLE AND SAFE"“BY THE TIME THAT NIGHT CAME TO AN END, MY WORLD CHANGED FOREVER I SANG" 'JESUS LOVES ME' IN MY HEAD AS I WAITED- WAITED TO DIE”For over four decades, Kris Pedretti lived in a debilitating silence.44 years later, Kris stood in a Sacramento courtroom facing Joseph James DeAngelo and delivered a soul-stirring Victim Impact Statement with extraordinary courage, bravery, force and mindful strength.Today, we meet Kris Pedretti. We learn about this remarkable human spirit who has transformed unimaginable pain into power and healing by sharing her voice and story with all of us via her Facebook support group called:"SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS! IT'S TIME TO TELL YOUR STORY” https://www.facebook.com/groups/timetotellyourstoryKris welcomes survivors and/or families and people with a survivor in their life. This is her group's description-As any sexual assault survivor knows, you don't ever just get over it. It doesn't work like that! This group provides support for survivors of sexual assault, whether recent or years ago. It is a healing place where survivors can tell their story to the only people who truly understand their experiences and emotions.Kris, It is my honor and privilege to call you my friend and to WELCOME you to Open Stance.

"Secrets are Debilitating. This secret of mine was eating me alive for a long time" -Brady Hiete (my brother) The Secret of Sexual Abuse Trauma is the Silent Killer. This is a raw and tender conversation with my youngest brother Brady Hiete about the serious dangers of living for many years under the crushing weight of secrets of personal trauma. We share, from our own experiences, how personal secrets of trauma can have long lasting and perilous behavioral, emotional and spiritual consequences. Dark secrets of sexual abuse, in many cases, are discovered at the core of a multitude of hazardous, life threatening survival and coping mechanisms. Survivors commonly employ these maladaptive behaviors to manage and numb the intense pain from the trauma of abuse and living alone in silence and shame. Dealing with the core issues of abuse and talking about personal trauma can be a critical stepping stone which opens a pathway to recovery and healing. In this episode, Brady and I talk about the time when I finally wrestled myself out of silence (a silence that for many years felt like a Boa Constrictor's suffocating death grip) and found my voice and told him about being drugged unconscious and raped when I was in college and how I had been living with this secret in a silent and lonely hell for so long.In the same conversation, Brady opens up about a personally damaging secret he battled alone for most of his life and the feelings of devastation and loneliness he suffered as a result. Our episode is an intensely personal and open discussion that clearly recognizes the power of revelation. Our discussion aims to illuminate that talking about trauma in a safe environment when you are ready - and supporting a survivor through listening- can be a significant catalyst and critical first step on the pathway to healing and recovery.

Understanding Shame as an outcome of trauma from Sexual Abuse and Violence with Clinical Psychologist Stephanie Allen and Ilana Karpin from Life & Mind Psychology https://lifeandmind.com.au Stephanie Allen is the Founder of Life & Mind Psychology and has been creating and growing her practice in Sydney, Australia, where she has been the Principal Clinical Psychologist for over a decade. This is truly a remarkable open discussion with two leading Australian Clinical Psychologists who fantastically educate us that shame as a symptom of sexual abuse related trauma can be successfully treated and that evidence based techniques do in fact work. The information Stephanie and Ilana share is crucial for survivors of sexual abuse and for people who have a survivor in their life. SHAME is a common outcome of sexual violence. The experience of shame in a survivor's daily life can lead to debilitating and dangerous mental and physical issues which can heavily contribute to many destructive coping behaviours when not safely addressed and treated. Stephanie Allen and Ilana Karpin provide an expert clinical discussion on understanding the complex nature of shame and the profound psychological effects caused by sexual abuse trauma. They address a range of clinical evidence based treatments and techniques which work to manage and treat issues related to the effects of shame from sexual abuse. This episode is positiviely insightful and serves as a valuable resource focused on professional experience, education and crucial information related to the treatment and steps of the recovery process related to the lived experience of shame. Stephanie Allen/ BIO Founder and Principal Clinical Psychologist of Life & Mind Psychology in Miranda, NSW Australia. Stephanie has been practicing as a Clinical Psychologist for over 15 years. She works with individuals, couples and groups in both public and private settings. Stephanie is dedicated to being a behaviour therapist through the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and has co-facilitated many DBT groups in the Sutherland Shire, NSW, Australia. Additionally, Stephanie Allen is trained to help people using other evidence based psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). One of Stephanie's biggest and most enjoyable achievements has been creating and growing Life & Mind Psychology, where she has been the Principal Clinical Psychologist for over a decade. Stephanie encourages adults, teenagers and couples who experience issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, any forms of abuse and lifestyle issues to connect with a Psychologist. As a Clinical Psychologist, Stephanie is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and the Australian Clinical Psychologists Association (ACPA). Ilana Karpin / BIOIlana is a Clinical Psychologist who completed her undergraduate Psychology degree at University of New South Wales, Sydney and her Masters of Psychology (Clinical) at University of Sydney. She has been committed to ongoing professional development and training with a particular focus on the treatment of trauma, DBT, RO DBT, ACT and supervision. Ilana has 25 years experience working specifically within health in a range of service settings, and over 20 years working specifically within the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) framework. She has been involved in early intervention projects within community mental health and has worked with adult and adolescent, inpatient and outpatient teams to develop DBT within their services. Ilana currently provides DBT consultation and training to private, public and NGO services, co-facilitates DBT based skills groups for adults and for family members of those experiencing emotion dysregulation. She also provides individual DBT and ACT within private practice and has ongoing collaboration with the Primary Health Network to provide affordable and evidence-based treatment for people who experience difficulties related to the over and under control of their emotions. Ilana is passionate about the provision of accurate and evidence-based information to reduce stigma and enhance effective responses to complex behavioural and emotional patterns

Tracey sits down with her relative Amelia Thorpe. Amelia is a wife, mother to three daughters, educator, advocate for social justice, childhood sexual abuse survivor and blog author. https://ameliathorpe.blog/Amelia Thorpe, with a profound sense of inner strength, unveils in this episode, her tortuous experience as a mother in this harrowing story of one family's journey to justice following the years of sexual abuse all three of her and her husband Brad's daughters survived in a home day care.Amelia writes:My husband and I have been blessed with three magnificent daughters. For the first ten years of our parenting life, we thought we were nailing it. Our children were polite, respectful, creative, active and well-adjusted. What we didn't know was that they were hiding a deep secret from us, one that would irrevocably change our lives forever. In 2013, my husband and I uncovered the extent of the lie that we had been living for an indeterminate period of our lives as parents. A man whom we trusted had been performing sexual acts on our children for a number of years…and we had no idea. Over the years since, we have tried to create a “new normal” for our family. This “new normal” still consists of work, school and of course being a taxi driver for after school activities. But, it also includes incontinence, nightmares, visits to the police station and court house, weekly counseling sessions, and suicide attempts. It's been a persistent effort to keep upbeat, when at times everything just feels broken. Our “journey to justice” was long and arduous. The trial nearly broke our already broken children. We have a system where everyone is made to be accountable; their character and professionalism questioned; except for the accused. Four weeks and three days after we began in court, the defendant was found guilty. He was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months. Our children are doing life. Whilst life, at times, has been difficult for us to navigate as a family, I do know that my girls will grow up to be strong, resilient and beautiful women. They will continue to feel a sense of solidarity with other survivors who, like them, have given a voice to the voiceless and said no to abuse. I am not happy to let an antiquated legal system continue to perpetuate abuse on the most vulnerable. But trying to affect change has not been easy. I am excited to be part of Open Stance in an effort to highlight the truth, celebrate survivors and remove the shame that has for too long been part of the narrative of abuse survivors. Lots of love, Amelia

Sammy Caiola, Healthcare Reporter for Cap Radio since 2017, joins Tracey for a special edition of Open Stance speaking about trauma from sexual violence and the long term impact on a survivor's mental and physical well being. During her time at Cap Radio, Sammy's special interest in trauma and what happens to a survivor in the aftermath of assault and rape is explored with great care and compassion in "After the Assault" , a special new podcast she produced and hosted for Cap Radio. Sammy brings a lovely, warm and caring focus to the needs of a survivor. She shares the vital importance of self care and good health promoting activities, such as exercise, as options to help decrease symptoms of PTSD and restore feelings of self worth and self love. Sammy highlights specific clinical research studies which demonstrate how these healthy coping mechanisms can contribute significantly to a survivor's healing process and a pathway to freedom.

Erin Aldrich Shean was prepared "to go to the grave" with a secret she kept buried for 20 years until she learned her abuser was still coaching; and, this time, her perpetrator was coaching high school girls. Erin is a 2000 Olympic high jumper and former dual scholarship athlete for the University of Texas Longhorns in Volleyball and Track & Field. In this episode, Erin brings a laser focus to the potential dangers and inherent power imbalances in the coach - athlete relationship. Erin details her former coach's dangerously slow and methodical grooming process that led to her sexual abuse. This is an episode all athletes and their parents must watch as it provides critical education to prevent these crimes. This is also a tremendous call to action which Erin pursues in the form of a class action lawsuit to help protect and empower athletes at every level by fighting for lasting institutional change and accountability in the laws and policies of the national governing sporting bodies who are responsible for the safety and well being of our athletes.

Former US Olympic swimmer and survivor of multiple sexual assaults and rape, shares her journey through healing and recovery and the details her incredible road to sobriety and her deep faith in God.

Open Stance, the confronting and courageous new podcast series from former tennis player and sexual assault survivor Tracey Hiete Smith, is launching the second episode – this time with legendary former Australian National Rugby League referee Gavin Badger. The July 6th launch, across audio and video platforms, is the continuation of the journey of healing and education that Tracey has been traveling since her abuse over three decades ago. In the first episode Tracey spoke with fellow Duke Alumni and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Nancy Hogshead-Maker. In Episode Two, child sexual assault survivor Gavin opens up about his abuse and outlines key “red flags” and “grooming tactics” he experienced and of which all parents and guardians should makes themselves aware. Gavin also identifies the importance of support networks and the role sports, in particular rugby league, played in his development of his teen and early adult years. This lies at the heart of his management of the trauma of his abuse, from a physical and emotional perspective. A true champion of his chosen profession, and in the protection of vulnerable individuals, Gavin Badger shows a strength and courage that in many ways outstrips his significant on-field achievements.

Three time Olympic swimming gold medalist Nancy Hogshead-Makar tells her incredible story of triumph following a brutal sexual assault as a college sophomore.

Coming Soon: My podcast series OPEN STANCE which explores the journey of many brave individuals who tell their stories of survival of sexual assault.