174. Gemini: First the Assault. Then Saprea.

There's a distinctive aspect to this show that makes it different from most podcasts in this genre, and I consider it a privilege and honor to recognize those of you who make it that way. Sexual Assault Survivor Stories is not built around celebrity guests, polished talking points, or rehearsed narratives. It exists because of something far more rare and far more meaningful—trust. Again and again, people who begin as listeners reach out, not to be heard for the sake of attention, but because they're finally ready to speak their truth in a space that feels safe enough to hold it. What makes this show what it is—what gives it its authenticity and its depth—is that, more often than not, my listeners become my guests. These are individuals who have sat quietly with these stories, sometimes for years, recognizing pieces of themselves in the voices of others. When they step forward, it's not to perform or impress, but to contribute to a shared act of healing. That transition—from listener to storyteller—is powerful. It's where courage shows up without fanfare, and where vulnerability becomes an offering rather than a risk. That is the soul of this podcast. It's why these conversations land differently. They aren't extracted or produced; they're entrusted. And that trust—extended to me, and to everyone listening—is what allows this space to be real, to be human, and to be healing. It's also what makes this show such a compelling listen, because what you're hearing isn't scripted or sensationalized. You're hearing people reclaiming their voices, often for the first time, and in doing so, reminding all of us why telling the truth still matters. And that brings me to this week's guest. Gemini's courage and fortitude are unmistakable in the way she tells her story—her sexual assault, the aftermath, and the complex reality of what it meant to navigate her experience at Saprea. This is not an easy conversation, but it is an honest one. Gemini speaks with clarity, strength, and a willingness to go places many survivors never feel safe enough to enter out loud, and her voice adds something essential to this ongoing dialogue. To Gemini—and to every guest who has trusted this space with their truth—thank you. This show exists because of your willingness to step forward, to be seen, and to remind others that healing is possible, even when the road there is long and uneven. Your voices are the heart of Sexual Assault Survivor Stories, and I'm deeply grateful for each of you. An important side note: 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://saprea.org/ 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