**Trigger Warning:** This episode contains uncensored discussions regarding sensitive subjects such as sexual assault, rape, home invasion, and trauma. It includes explicit details that may be distressing for certain listeners. Listener discretion is advised; feel free to pause or skip sections as necessary. Additionally, resources for survivors are provided in the show notes for further support.
At the Awakened Souls Podcast, we share inspiring stories that stir the soul, heal the spirit, and illuminate the path through darkness. Today, we speak with Danielle Leukam, a powerful voice in the fight against sexual violence. A registered nurse, mother, and rape survivor, Danielle transformed her trauma into triumph with her memoir, Four Pounds of Pressure: A Memoir of Rape, Survival, and Taking Back My Power. As an author, advocate, and founder of WISH: We Inspire Survivor Healing, INC., she empowers survivors and educates communities. Through her work with End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) and as a member of the Survivor Advisory Group to the Governor of Minnesota, Danielle’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the fight to reclaim one’s power.
00:00: The Journey of Healing and Justice
05:51: Empowerment Through Storytelling
08:14: Navigating the Aftermath
10:47: Facing the Perpetrator
13:18: Understanding Grief and Support
15:35: The Justice System Experience
18:15: The Ripple Effect of Trauma
21:27: Finding Strength as a Survivor
24:07: Writing as a Tool for Empowerment
26:51: Common Threads Among Survivors
29:18: Shining a Light on Sexual Assault
31:49: Balancing Diverse Writing Projects
31:54: Finding Inspiration in Adversity
33:07: Navigating Relationships After Trauma
35:13: The Healing Power of Writing
38:04: Creating Change Through Nonprofit Work
39:32: Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
42:49: Public Speaking and Survivor Empowerment
45:46: Supporting Survivors in Our Communities
48:17: Reclaiming Power: A New Memoir
49:22: Words of Hope for Survivors
50:42: Vision for the Future of Advocacy
Danielle's Links:
www.instagram.com/danielleleukam or @danielleleukam
www.facebook.com/daniellelouiseleukam
www.twitter.com/danielle_leukam
Resource for survivors: RAINN ( rainn.org ) EVAWI ( evawintl.org )
Disclaimer: The information, statements, comments, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and the resources have been cited. None of the authors, contributors or anyone else connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained herein. Any and all information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast, nor any content on Awakened Souls is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by this guest do not necessarily reflect those of our producers.