Episode 14 Part 1: Breda: A Childhood Stolen - One Woman’s Story of Sexual Abuse and Survival

To protect the identity of today's guest, we have altered her voice. This has been done in such a way as to not compromise the quality of the recording, nor the content of the recording.

This episode features Breda, who shares her harrowing experience of prolonged childhood sexual abuse by a family member, the family silence that followed, the long-term effects on her relationships and mental health, and her journey toward healing and resilience.

Part one focuses on her personal story and its aftermath; part two will examine gaps in education and healthcare practices and how services can become more trauma-informed to better support survivors.

RESOURCES:

If you are a survivor or advocate and want to contact Breda her email address is:

teenytimbre@gmail.com

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit

Address: South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork T12 X23H

Tel: 021-492 6297 (Within Working Hours)

085 8760578 (Outside Working Hours)

Email: Noonan.Margo@sivuh.ie

Website: https://sivuh.ie/

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr. Fiona Barry is a distinguished healthcare practitioner with over 3 decades of experience in both Western / Modern and Eastern / Traditional medicine. Holding a PhD in Pharmacology and a degree in biomedical sciences, she transitioned from cardiovascular research to the more holistic approach of Chinese medicine. She also supports people in their emotional and psychological challenges with the likes of Quantum Thinking Transformation (QTT) and coaching.

Fiona's integrative approach has supported several thousand people individually in navigating challenges in such areas as hormonal health, fertility, trauma and chronic pain, with tremendously positive feedback and results.

Throughout her clinical practice, Dr. Fiona regularly encounters clients burdened by shame and isolation, voicing sentiments like "I've never told anyone that before."

Recognising the profound need for open dialogue, Fiona launched this new podcast series "Taboo", where she aims to create a safe space for the exploration of topics that are often left unspoken, in order to foster connection and understanding on a broader scale. She is committed to amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard.

Fiona is available to work with people in a number of ways, including:

• One-to-one in her clinic or online
• For media and events, including corporate training in health and wellbeing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fionabarry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comharacupuncture

Website: https://fionabarry.ie/