52: Being A Victim of Sexual Abuse Does Not Make You Less Human with Melodie Thurman

Being Motherhustler

Melodie Thurman is a native Portland resident. Born and raised on a farm outside of Portland, Melodie was a tough girl who could keep up with the boys, and bucked her share fair of hay, chased cows, and assisted in all manner of farm chores. Melodie’s life changed between the ages of four and five when she became the victim of sexual abuse that lasted for six long years. Once free, Melodie has fought to change the conversation. She knew from her own experience that there is no point in trying to understand or move past sexual abuse. It isn’t something she ever wants to understand. The abuse that she lived through is something she will keep front and center, as a constant reminder to never stop fighting for those who can’t, speaking for the voiceless, and encouraging those who have been affected by sexual abuse to accept who they are in spite of it. Melodie just finished her first book on changing the conversation around sexual abuse and has dedicated her life to continuing to change the conversation around the world. Melodie believes that if we are ever going to see things change, the survivors have to stand up and speak out. Melodie’s book title was born from all her experiences. “All the things I wish you never said. ~ a survivor's guide to talking about sexual abuse.” Melodie found that the more she talked about sexual abuse the more she realized how large the gap is between survivors and those who have not experienced it personally. She realized how much the survivors need those on the other side and how, with a little guidance, those very people can actually help to bring about healing and acceptance. Learn more about Melodie at www.facebook.com/melodie.thurman. Her first ever speaking gig is taking place and you can purchase tickets if you're local to Portland, Oregon at www.eventbrite.com/o/lani-grass-13446871768 Follow Host + Founder all across Social Media @kareenmills. Podcast IG: @beingmotherhustlerpodcast Download and subscribe to the podcast here www.linktr.ee/kareenmills Support Kareen Mills' 10-week campaign to cure cancer at www.linktr.ee/kareenmills to benefit the Leukemia + Lymphoma Society --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/beingmotherhustler/support