Clinical psychologist Dr Emily combines professional expertise with her own lived experience of childhood trauma to explain why child abuse is so often hidden in plain sight. She explores why many children don't disclose abuse, how fear, shame, manipulation and loyalty can keep them silent, and why disclosure is often a gradual process rather than a single conversation.
Drawing on psychology and personal experience, Dr Emily explains how abusive relationships can distort a child's understanding of love, safety and what is considered normal. She discusses the long-term impact of abuse, including shame, complex trauma, difficulties with trust, and why many survivors only recognise the abuse years later. She also examines why families, professionals and institutions sometimes miss the warning signs, and how secrecy can allow abuse to continue.
Importantly, this conversation also offers hope. Dr Emily explains how healing is possible through safe relationships, effective therapy, and the brain's remarkable ability to adapt. She shares practical guidance on how adults, schools and communities can create environments where children feel safe enough to ask for help, and why listening with curiosity and compassion can change a child's life.
If you're a parent, teacher, professional, survivor, or simply want to better understand the lasting impact of childhood abuse, this is an important conversation about recognising the signs, challenging common misconceptions, and helping protect children.
To contact Dr Emily on Instagram: @dremilythepsychologist
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This podcast provides a platform for contributors to share their own lived experiences. Unless expressly stated otherwise, Something to Say has not independently verified the factual accuracy of statements made by contributors and does not endorse or adopt any allegations, assertions, opinions or conclusions expressed in this recording.
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