172. Erica: When a Husband's Power Became Sexual Violence

172. Erica: When a Husband's Power Became Sexual Violence

Author: Dave Markel January 13, 2026 Duration: 1:01:32
In this episode I sit down with Erica, a survivor whose experience exposes the devastating reality of coercive control, rape, and sexual assault within a marriage. Erica reached out to share not only what she endured, but the long and difficult process of recognizing abuse, breaking free from it, and beginning her healing journey. This conversation examines how power and control can operate quietly and persistently—how manipulation, exploitation, and sexual violence are often obscured by relationship roles, social expectations, and silence. Erica speaks candidly about what it took to escape an environment designed to strip her of autonomy, and the strength it required to reclaim her voice and independence. This is a difficult but necessary episode—one that sheds light on the realities of coercive control and affirms the resilience of survivors who choose to speak their truth. Erica's story is not just about survival; it is about courage, clarity, and the power of being heard. Important information: if you're finding value in this show and these amazing episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, follow SexualAssaultSurvivorStories on Instagram, then, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. And if you're a victim or survivor and are ready to tell your story in order to help yourself or someone else heal, let me know, and we can start a conversation about the possibility of you being on the show. Here's my email address: dave@sasstories.com Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already. Just provide me with a phone number where I can reach back out to you…because I like to talk to people who are interested in guesting. And please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! Here are some critically important links that I hope you'll take the time to explore, and where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so! — Thank you!! https://whattheydontsay.com https://1in6.org/ https://time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/repeat_rape.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://soulwisesolutions.com https://safeinharmsway.org https://startbybelieving.org https://evawintl.org/ As mentioned, and emphasized, it's time to Normalize the Conversation.™ And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. (Check out https://evawintl.org/ & https://startbybelieving.org for more information on "Start By Believing"!) Thank you for tuning in. --Dave

Hosted by Dave Markel, Sexual Assault Survivor Stories creates a necessary and nuanced space centered on personal narratives and expert understanding. Each week, this podcast shares firsthand accounts from individuals who have experienced sexual assault, offering a raw and respectful look at the journey from victim to survivor. These stories aren't just about the trauma itself; they delve into the complex path of healing, highlighting both the profound adversities faced and the hard-won victories, large and small. Listening provides a window into the emotional and psychological dynamics that define survival, moving beyond simplistic narratives to honor the full, often messy, human experience. Crucially, this isn't a resource only for those directly affected. The podcast deliberately expands the conversation to educate a broader audience. Episodes explore the principles of trauma-informed communication and break down the neuroscience of trauma and memory, explaining how these factors impact a survivor's recall and testimony. This approach fosters deeper empathy and insight, whether you're a supporter, a professional, or anyone seeking to comprehend these issues on a more informed level. By weaving together personal truth and psychological context, this podcast serves as both a sanctuary for shared experience and a vital tool for collective learning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sexual Assault Survivor Stories
Podcast Episodes
191. Lee Cooper: The Conversation That Crossed an Ocean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:13
Before we get started, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to The Network Studios in Culver City for making this week's episode recording possible. From the ease of scheduling to their outstanding facilities and podcas…
190. Dr. Lori: Healing Every Day After Sexual Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
Dr. Lori from Still Whole Wellness returns to the show for a deeply thoughtful conversation about healing, spirituality, trauma, boundaries, self-worth, and the daily work of becoming whole again after sexual trauma. Thi…
188. Martha Gagnon: The Hidden Pattern Behind Coercion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:12
Martha Gagnon joins me for a deeply important and, at times, difficult conversation about coercion, control, and what she ultimately came to understand as rape within an intimate relationship. Her story doesn't follow th…
187. Sophie: "If I Said No Again…What Would Happen?" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:41
Sophie was 14 when she entered a relationship that, at first, felt familiar and exciting. Over time, that relationship shifted into something she couldn't fully understand in the moment. What began as connection turned i…
186. Joseph Born: The Hidden Reality of Child-on-Child Harm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:15
Joseph Born grew up surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska—a childhood filled with exploration, curiosity, and the kind of freedom that most people would associate with innocence. But beneath that backdrop was s…
185. Sara Perry: This Changes How You Think About Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
This week's episode takes us into a part of the healing conversation that doesn't get talked about nearly enough. I sit down with Sara Perry, founder of Haven Space (https://havenspacecoaching.com/) in Houston, Texas, to…
184. Emily: I Was Living My Life Like Nothing Happened [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
This week, Emily joins the show to share a story that has lived quietly beneath the surface while life continued to move forward around it. As a young woman navigating the early stages of adulthood, she opens up about wh…