Episode 57: Breaking the Silence On Sexual Assault with Alli Meyerhardt

In this episode, Lori Poland is joined by Alli Meyerhardt, the founder and executive director of Breaking Silence, a national organization designed to give a voice to survivors of abuse. As a survivor herself, Alli knew that the story many had to share would pave the way to ending sexual assault and domestic violence. She followed this vision and began a nonprofit that focuses on teaching people about the consequences of sexual assault, ways in which they can prevent it, and the realities of consent.  

The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN): www.endcan.org 

Takeaways: 

We need to believe in the power of people’s stories and to teach people to accept those stories and create safe spaces. 

Stories need to be felt with love and kindness rather than saying, “we don’t talk about it.” 

“I believe you, I hear you, I am so sorry that happened to you,” should be the response to anyone who shares their story. 
 
Everyone needs to humanize people’s stories and learn to feel it. 

The goal of Breaking Silence and the work they do is to create a world full of advocates. 

The definition of "safe" is different for every person.  We need to be protectors of all. 

It is not easy to get someone curious when they don’t want to talk about “it.” 

It is not always your responsibility to change someone else’s mind, but compassionate listening is necessary. 

If you are open to hearing, then go and listen.  Become a learner.  There is someone in your life who has been impacted by violence. 

 
Quote of the Show: 

“A universal truth is we all feel pain. We are all human.” 

 
Links: 
Breaking Silence - www.breakingsilence.org