Jess Denham: The Story She Was Never Allowed To Tell

What if the person who was meant to protect you was the one you needed protection from?

This week on You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Australia Editor Georgie McCourt speaks with world champion runner Jess Denham, who is telling her story publicly after years of being unable to do so.

Raised in isolation and controlled by her parents, Jess appeared to be a sporting prodigy. But behind closed doors, she was enduring unimaginable abuse. Today, both of her parents are in prison for those crimes.

In this deeply personal conversation, Jess also speaks publicly for the first time about living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), sharing what it's really like to live with a condition that is so often misunderstood.

This is a story of survival, resilience and reclaiming your voice after years of being silenced. Jess also shares why she's fighting for stronger protections for survivors and helping change the way Australia responds to sexual violence.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains themes of childhood abuse and coercive control. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call 000. For confidential 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. Support is also available through Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at beyondblue.org.au.

This episode covers:

• Growing up as a homeschooled child prodigy under total parental control
• Living a hidden double life as a champion runner while surviving abuse
• Isolation as a tool of abuse and why escape felt impossible
• Finding the courage to report abuse to police
• Living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and dismantling the stigma around it
• How trauma shapes the brain and body in survival mode
• Rebuilding trust, identity and community after a lifetime of betrayal
• Healing through art and creative expression
• The fight against victim-blaming and sensationalized media reporting
• Advocating for stronger protection of survivors' counseling records
• A message of hope for survivors: "you're not your worst chapter"

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Credits:

Host Georgie McCourt

Edited by Helen Smith

Head of Vodcasting Rachel Fountain

With thanks to our amazing team at Marie Claire

You're Gonna Want to Hear This is a production of Marie Claire and Are Media.

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