DeepSummary
The episode features a conversation with actor Anthony Edwards and psychologist Dr. David Lisak from the organization 1in6, which supports male survivors of sexual abuse and assault. They discuss their own experiences of childhood sexual abuse and the long-lasting impacts it has had on their relationships, trust, and overall well-being. Edwards and Lisak offer advice and support to Tyler, a 19-year-old survivor who is bravely sharing his story of being abused by his stepfather from ages 9 to 16.
Tyler's mother, Stacy, is also present and opens up about the guilt and concerns she feels as a parent whose child was groomed and abused. The discussion highlights the prevalence of male sexual abuse, with 1 in 6 men being survivors according to research. Edwards and Lisak emphasize the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding this issue, normalizing conversations about it, and providing resources for survivors to seek help and support.
The group explores the damaging effects of trauma, such as overachieving, difficulty with intimacy and trust, and the need to constantly seek external validation or conditions for happiness. However, they also offer hope, stating that recovery is an ongoing process that deepens and strengthens the survivor over time, allowing the trauma to become a smaller part of their identity.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Male sexual abuse is a pervasive issue, with research indicating that 1 in 6 men have experienced it.
- Survivors often exhibit coping mechanisms like minimizing, denying, hiding, and isolating themselves due to the trauma they've experienced.
- Breaking the stigma and normalizing conversations about male sexual abuse is crucial in providing support and resources for survivors.
- The effects of childhood sexual abuse can be likened to living in a war zone, with intense fear and trauma that recalibrates the brain and nervous system.
- Recovery is an ongoing journey that requires survivors to disclose their abuse, feel heard and supported, and work to strengthen their identity beyond the trauma.
- While the trauma itself does not change, the survivor's relationship to it can shift over time, with the trauma becoming a smaller part of their identity as they heal and grow.
- Families and loved ones of survivors are also impacted and need support in processing their own feelings of guilt, regret, and healing.
- Organizations like 1in6 provide essential resources, support groups, and a sense of community for male survivors seeking a path to a happier, healthier future.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Pure, unadulterated rage, anger that I'd never felt before. I wanted to take out a full page ad and variety and say, you know, Doctor Green and Goose was assaulted by this man and have a wanted picture of him.“ by Anthony Edwards
- “Men by nature minimize, deny, hide, and isolate. And that's the tragic result of what happens to people who are assaulted or traumatized as kids.“ by Anthony Edwards
- “Literally, that moment when they had that first conversation where they said, you know, something happened to me when I was a kid and someone listened to and they were heard and they weren't hurt. That's all we're looking for, those moments. Cause that's the beginning of recovery. And all we wanna do is start people on their journey.“ by Anthony Edwards
Entities
Product
Person
Organization
Episode Information
Betrayal
iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
7/4/24
Struggling to find community, Tyler connects with actor Anthony Edwards and psychologist David Lisak. Anthony and David are not only survivors of sexual abuse, but leaders of 1in6, an organization that supports men who have experienced sexual abuse and assault.
If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com
If you’re a man who has experienced sexual abuse or assault, or you know someone who is seeking support, go to 1in6.org. Find a path to a happier, healthier future.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.