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Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness

Defiance of Silence – A Sacred Witness is a podcast for survivors, healers, and those who walk beside them. Together, we stand against the silence that isolates us, and embrace the silence that allows us to be truly heard.

Hosted by Valerie — a U.S. Army veteran, Nurse, survivor, and trauma-informed witness — the show was born from her own two-decade journey of healing from sexual trauma and the power of being witnessed. Through real and unpolished conversations, guests share stories of courage, grief, resilience, and awakening.

This is not therapy. This is not performance. This is sacred witness. A space where vulnerability becomes strength, and where no one has to carry their story alone.

New episodes release every other week.

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Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness

Valerie - The Birth of A Sacred Witness

September 09, 2025 • Valerie • Season 1 • Episode 1

In this first episode Valerie shares her personal story of surviving sexual trauma, breaking the silence and discovering the power of being witnessed. Hear how being witnessed led to a spiritual awakening that ultimately led to the birth of Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness Podcast.

For decades, I carried the weight of childhood sexual abuse and military sexual trauma without telling a soul. When I unexpectedly encountered my military assailant years later, it cracked open the vault of repressed memories, beginning a long and difficult journey of healing.

In 2020 sparked by the collision of the #iamvanessaguillen and #metoo movements, and the stress of COVID isolation triggered a profound PTSD episode that forced me to confront the cost of my silence. Finding community among women veterans who simply said "me too" began to break that isolation. Being witnessed without judgment cracked open decades of silence.

My heart and hope for Defiance of Silence: A Sacred Witness is to create space for survivors, healers, and witnesses to share their truth. This podcast isn't about sensationalizing trauma but honoring the journey through communal witnessing. We defy the silence that isolates while embracing the silence that allows true listening – sitting with someone's pain without judgment, without fixing, without rushing. Whether you're seeking healing or coming to witness others, you're welcome here. Your presence matters. Together, we'll discover the power of being seen and the healing that follows. Remember: you are not alone, your story deserves to be heard, and you are worthy of being witnessed.

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Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed!

If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support: