Attorney JoDee Neil spent years prosecuting crimes against children while carrying the truth about what she had survived herself. After hearing thousands of outcries from survivors throughout her career, she finally shared her own story and began writing Outcry Witness, a book focused on trauma, sexual violence, and the process of becoming “unfrozen” after years of silence. She opens up about working child abuse cases, what she has witnessed inside the criminal and family court systems, and how trauma reshapes the brain, nervous system, and sense of self over time.
JoDee and Chell talk about childhood trauma, SA, addiction, EMDR therapy, recovery, dissociation, and the survival patterns many trauma survivors repeat for years without realizing it. They also discuss mandatory reporting, child abuse investigations, grooming, victim blaming, family court failures, workplace sexual violence, and why so many survivors become caretakers and protectors while quietly carrying unresolved trauma themselves.
JoDee’s Links:
https://www.instagram.com/jodeeneilattorney
https://www.tiktok.com/@jodeeneil.com
https://www.youtube.com/@jodeeneil
JoDee’s book - Outcry Witness: A Former Prosecutor's Guide to Healing and Justice After Sexual Violence
Resources:
RAINN
24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/
Crisis Text Line
741741
Beyond the Monsters Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.
Topic: family court system, CSA survivors, childhood trauma, trauma recovery, SA trauma, criminal justice system
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