186. Joseph Born: The Hidden Reality of Child-on-Child Harm

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 something far different. In this episode, Joseph shares the part of his story that rarely gets talked about with the clarity it deserves: child-on-child sexual abuse, and the lasting imprint it leaves long after childhood ends. What makes this conversation so important is not just what happened, but how it showed up—behavioral shifts, confusion, acting out—things that are often misunderstood, dismissed, or punished instead of recognized for what they are. We spend time unpacking what those early indicators can look like when a child doesn't have the language, the safety, or the understanding to say, "Something's wrong." Joseph walks through the weight of secrecy and shame that kept him silent, and how that silence shaped the way he saw himself and the world around him. This is one of those conversations that challenges the way adults think about behavior in children and forces a more honest look at what might be underneath the surface. It also brings attention to something that still doesn't get nearly enough discussion—how children can act out harm on other children, often without anyone recognizing the deeper context behind it. Joseph also takes us into his path forward. Therapy didn't erase what happened, but it gave him a way to understand it, to process it, and to begin to separate who he is from what he went through. We talk about what healing looks like in real life, and why awareness, education, and open conversations are critical if we're going to do better for the next generation. This episode isn't easy. But it's necessary. And if there's one thing to take from it, it's this: the conversations we avoid are often the ones that matter most. An important side note: if you're finding value in this show and these conversations, please consider leaving a 5-star rating on your podcast platform—it truly helps more people find these stories. You can also follow Sexual Assault Survivor Stories on Instagram and 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 you feel like you might be ready to share your story—whether for your own healing or to help someone else—reach out to me. We can start a conversation, with no pressure and no expectations. You can email me directly at dave@sasstories.com. Please include a phone number where I can reach you, because I genuinely prefer to talk with people who are considering guesting. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out—and please keep those emails 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. Where a contribution is requested, please consider doing so. Thank you—for listening, for believing survivors, and for being part of this community. https://havenspacecoaching.com/ https://documenttheabuse.org https://hassl.uk/ 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