International speaker, storyteller for The Forgiveness Project, and best-selling author of the book 'Unbroken', Madeleine Black, joins me on the podcast to tell her story of experiencing sexual violence at the hands of two men when she was just thirteen. Years later, Madeleine made the courageous decision to forgive the men who hurt her. Forgiveness, she believes, was key to healing and leading a fulfilling and happy life, no longer governed by the past.

Madeleine and I discuss the mental and physical impact of trauma, and how her experience of gang rape led to suicidal ideation, disordered eating, and destructive drug and alcohol use. We talk about the culture of victim blaming and the shame that often arises in those who experience sexual assault. She shares the tools that helped support her recovery, including finding her voice, therapy and plant medicine.

If you'd like to connect with Madeleine, you can follow her on Instagram and check out her website here.

If you're based in the UK and have experienced sexual violence, please consider seeking support from Rape Crisis England & Wales.

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