Catriona Morton talks to fellow survivors of sexual assault and abuse about what happened to them and how they cope now. After experiencing sexual abuse and assault herself, Catriona felt like she was abandoned by society, “stranded in an ocean,” she says, "with only a life raft and no rescue in sight.” So she created her own life raft with a blog called Life Continues After, where anyone affected by sexual trauma can share their stories and advice in the hope that others will find something useful. Or even just some comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
This podcast continues Catriona’s mission. Each person’s story will be split into two parts - and two separate episodes in the podcast feed. In the first part – called ‘Then’ – survivors will tell Catriona as much or as a little as they want about what happened to them. If listeners feel this part of their story might be too triggering and distressing, they can skip to the second part – called ‘Now’ – where survivors will share the practical steps, resources and methods they follow.
If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Catriona Morton talks to fellow survivors of sexual assault and abuse about what happened to them and how they cope now. After experiencing sexual abuse and assault herself, Catriona felt like she was abandoned by society, “stranded in an ocean,” she says, "with only a life raft and no rescue in sight.” So she created her own life raft with a blog called Life Continues After, where anyone affected by sexual trauma can share their stories and advice in the hope that others will find something useful. Or even just some comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
This podcast continues Catriona’s mission. Each person’s story will be split into two parts - and two separate episodes in the podcast feed. In the first part – called ‘Then’ – survivors will tell Catriona as much or as a little as they want about what happened to them. If listeners feel this part of their story might be too triggering and distressing, they can skip to the second part – called ‘Now’ – where survivors will share the practical steps, resources and methods they follow.
If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Winnie M Li tells Catriona about how writing a novel helped her cope with her trauma.
Called Dark Chapter, Winnie’s novel retells what happened when she was raped in 2008. It also takes the unique perspective of both the survivor and the perpetrator and explores how the assault affects the lives of both.
Winnie talks about how she struggled to reclaim the things she loves doing, like travelling and hiking. But she found that playing the piano helped her when she was at her lowest.
She has since founded the organisation Clear Lines, which uses the arts as a discussion to address sexual assault and consent. Find out more at www.clearlines.org.uk and www.winniemli.com
If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Presented by Catriona Morton, After is a 10-part series, featuring discussions between survivors of sexual abuse and assault about what happened to them and how they cope now.
Produced by Danielle Stephens. The Executive Producers are Clare Chadburn and Nick Minter. It is a Wisebuddah production for BBC Sounds.