BBC Sounds launches new podcast hosted by suvivor of sexual assault and abuse
BBC Sounds is to release a new podcast series called After, that seeks to offer support to survivors of sexual assault by sharing personal stories of recovery.
Published: 2 July 2019
Catriona hopes these stories will provide a space for survivors and their loved ones to understand not just what happened to them then, but about how to cope after.
- Unique format aims to support survivors of sexual assault
- Brand new podcast series available weekly from 11 July on BBC Sounds
The podcast’s host is 22 year-old Catriona Morton (pictured), who after surviving sexual abuse and assault, started a blog called Life Continues After - a space for anyone affected by sexual trauma to share their stories and advice in the hope that others will find something useful.
After is a podcast designed to continue Catriona’s mission to strengthen the support available to survivors.
Each conversation between Catriona and their guest is split into two parts. In the first part - called Then - survivors tell Catriona as much or as a little as they want about what happened to them. This might include the support they received afterwards, their struggle through a court case, or simply the process of how they recognised what exactly they’d been through. If listeners feel this part of their story might be too triggering and distressing, they can skip to the second part - called Now - where the survivor from part one shares the practical steps, resources and methods they follow.
Every story shared on After is unique. Female, male, and non-binary survivors from different backgrounds talk about their assault in as much or as little detail as they feel comfortable with or are permitted to legally.
Through their conversations, Catriona hopes these stories will provide a space for survivors and their loved ones to understand not just what happened to them then, but about how to cope after.
About Catriona
Catriona is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault in adulthood. Abused as a young child, Catriona had a mental breakdown at the age of 18. Catriona has since been assaulted in adulthood.
Catriona kept their childhood sexual abuse a secret for over a decade, so when they finally started speaking about it they knew it was a problem lots of people lived with in secret. After the assaults they experienced as an adult, Catriona became acutely aware of how stranded and alone survivors often felt, even after specialist rape counselling. They decided to do something and create a space where survivors could always turn - even if that is at 3am when they can’t sleep. Catriona started the blog as a shared ‘recovery toolbox’ for anyone struggling.
Please note: Catriona is a queer woman, who uses the pronouns they/them.
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