Emily Bernath, an author and advocate, shares her journey of faith, healing, and finding purpose after experiencing SA and finding herself at her lowest point. She discusses the challenges of writing about her trauma and the importance of including the personal element in her books. Emily also talks about her faith and how it played a role in her healing process.

She emphasizes the need for society to break the stigma around sexual assault and believe survivors. The conversation touches on the experiences of military spouses and the systemic issues they face when reporting domestic violence. Overall, Emily's story highlights the power of finding truth, healing, and purpose after trauma. In this conversation, Emily discusses her journey as a survivor of sexual assault and her advocacy work. She emphasizes the importance of finding peace and forgiveness in order to heal and regain control over one's life. Emily also talks about her involvement with the Reveal to Heal International nonprofit, which aims to create safe spaces for survivors to share their stories. She shares her experiences with speaking engagements and the challenges of navigating the military culture as a survivor.

Emily hopes to continue making an impact through her advocacy work and plans to write a fourth book focused on advocacy.

Resources:

Emily’s Website: https://www.emilybernathauthor.com/books/

Reveal to Heal International: https://revealtohealinternational.com/

Takeaways

• Including the personal element in writing about trauma can be challenging but necessary for healing and connecting with readers.
• Believing survivors of SA is crucial in breaking the stigma and providing support.
• Faith can play a significant role in the healing process and finding purpose after trauma.
• Systemic issues exist in the military regarding the reporting of domestic violence, leading to isolation and lack of support for military spouses.
• Finding truth, healing, and purpose after trauma requires self-compassion, seeking support, and exploring different coping mechanisms.
• Finding peace and forgiveness is essential for healing and regaining control over one's life after experiencing sexual assault.
• Creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories is crucial in the healing process.
• Navigating the military culture as a survivor of sexual assault can be challenging, but there are support organizations and resources available.
  Speaking engagements provide an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for survivors of sexual assault.
• The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is more aware and supportive of social justice issues, including sexual assault.
• Overcoming shame and fear is a journey that requires self-acceptance and the support of others.
• Survivors can seek help and support from rape crisis centers and hotlines.
  Sharing one's story and advocating for change can be empowering and help in the healing process.
  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
04:09 Loss of Relationships and Isolation
08:27 Faith and Relationship with God
12:30 Writing and Publishing Journey
15:47 Finding Truth and Purpose
19:41 Challenges in Responding to Sexual Assault Reports
23:39 The Importance of Taking Action and Supporting Survivors
27:22 The Role of Spirituality in Healing
30:39 Creating Safe Spaces for Survivors
31:35 Navigating Trust and Relationships
33:04 Emily's Involvement in Advocacy
35:25 The Impact of Sexual Assault in the Military
36:54 Challenges of the Military Culture
38:02 Toxic Influences and the Future
41:03 Emily's Future

Kimberly Henry shares her past transformation from Navy veteran to social worker as shares her story of joining the Navy and the challenges she faced during her service. She discusses her experiences in basic training, her deployments, and the traumatic events she encountered.

We discuss the importance of coping skills such as writing, journaling, and meditation. She also introduces her empowerment journal, Warriors Path to Healing, designed for women veterans who have experienced trauma.

She shares her personal experience with inner child work and the impact it had on her healing journey. Kimberly provides guidance on how family members and friends can support survivors of assault or harassment. She also discusses the significance of prevention and policy changes in addressing these issues.

• Experiencing trauma and harassment in the military can have long-lasting effects on mental health and relationships.
• Seeking help and finding coping mechanisms are crucial for healing and moving forward.
• Coping skills such as writing, journaling, and meditation can be powerful tools for healing and self-care.
• The Warriors Path to Healing journal is a 12-week empowerment journal designed for women veterans who have experienced trauma.
• Writing and journaling can provide insight, perspective, and help in processing emotions and trauma.
• Supporting survivors of assault or harassment requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen and be present.
• Prevention and policy changes are crucial in addressing and preventing assault and harassment in the military and society.
• Communities can raise awareness and support survivors by educating themselves, sharing resources, and advocating for change.

Support/Resources:

The Gold Beacon: https://www.thegoldbeacon.com/

The Warrior's Path to Healing: https://www.thegoldbeacon.com/product-page/warrior-s-path-to-healing-a-12-week-empowerment-journal-for-women-veterans

Glass Soldier: https://www.glasssoldier.org/

Psych Armor: https://psycharmor.org/

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Share your story at here. If you prefer to remain anonymous, visit our website for more information on how to share your story confidentially.

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Your generosity helps us cover hosting costs, improve production quality, and bring you even more stories of hope and resilience. (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=JQJNN32TP3K2L)

1620 Pablo is well-versed in alternate methods of medication. Pablo shares his experience using plant medicine, specifically cannabis and CBD, to deal with mental health obstacles and physical injuries.

1620 Pablo also emphasizes the need for better care and support for veterans within the VA system. while sharing his journey with cannabis and advocacy in the state of Florida. He discusses his involvement in fighting against restrictive hemp bills and the importance of small businesses in the industry. 1620 Pablo explains the difference between THC and CBD and the various benefits of different cannabinoids.

Additionally, he highlights the issue of military sexual trauma (MST) and the need for support and resources for survivors. 1620 Pablo emphasizes the importance of post-traumatic growth and the collective effort needed to address mental health issues and reduce suicide rates among veterans and the wider community.

MST Task Force Puerto Rico: https://www.benefits.va.gov/sanjuan/

The Centre: https://www.thecentrespb.com/

Battle Buds: https://www.battlebudsusa.com/

Mike Minardi: https://minardilaw.com/

Tu Canna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amnQPWPXVQw

Chillum: https://chillumdispensary.com/

Join our Facebook group

Share your story at here. If you prefer to remain anonymous, visit our website for more information on how to share your story confidentially.

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Your generosity helps us cover hosting costs, improve production quality, and bring you even more stories of hope and resilience. (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=JQJNN32TP3K2L)