Welcome to the debut episode of Trauma and Transformation, hosted by Professor Anastasia Powell!
In this premiere episode, Anastasia is joined by Saxon Mullins, Director of Advocacy at RASARA (Rape and Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy) and recipient of the 2018 Young Persons Human Rights Medal. Saxon’s landmark advocacy directly contributed to pivotal sexual violence law reform around consent in New South Wales.
Together, Anastasia and Saxon kick off the series by pushing back against neat, oversimplified healing tropes, such as the classic "butterfly” transformation to explore the messy, non-linear reality of living with trauma. They tackle the ethics of media reporting on sexual assault, the urgent need to protect survivors' confidential therapy notes from court subpoenas, and the everyday reality of being a "feminist killjoy" when challenging systemic violence.
Key Highlights & Takeaways
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
"I think for me healing and recovery has come to mean that I am not just alive and surviving, I'm living my life. It comes with good days and bad days, but I am able to create a life that I enjoy.” - Saxon Mullins
"We try to create these beautiful metaphors... 'One day we will fly away and never have to do this anymore.' That's really lovely, and it's really just not true.” - Saxon Mullins
"You can't do it wrong... You have been through this unfathomable thing. Sometimes it takes a little while, but there will be flashes of a life that you never thought you could have, and it is really worth it.” - Saxon Mullins
Resource Links & Advocacy
Connect with our Guest:
Follow RASARA on Instagram: @rapereform
Credits:
Hosted by Professor Anastasia Powell.
Produced by Dash Made Studios.
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