When the Perpetrator Is Family: Aunee’s Story (PART 1)

<p>Join our Patreon: <a href="https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">⁠⁠</a><a href="https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠</a> </p><p>Aunee still remembers the nightie she was wearing as a little five-year-old girl when her uncle first introduced her to the “tickle game”.</p><p>What was presented to her as a fun game she could play with someone she trusted was something much more sinister. This continued for years, and the ripple effects have been lifelong.</p><p>Aunee’s story explores the devastating impact of generational trauma, complex mental health challenges and alcohol dependence, and how the pain of her own childhood trauma impacted not only her life, but also the lives of her three children.</p><p>In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Aunee reflects on the painful reality of how unresolved trauma can shape the lives of those around us, sharing how she went from being a victim of abuse to recognising the ways her own trauma eventually led her to cause harm to others.</p><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.</p><p>This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area.</p><p>The National Alcohol &amp; Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015</p><p><a href="https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">⁠</a><a href="https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠</a></p><p>Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14</p><p><a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠</a></p><p>1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732</p><p><a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠</a></p><p><strong>Creator &amp; Host-</strong> Julia Rangiheuea</p><p><strong>Creative Director -</strong> Beaudene Perussich</p><p><strong>Image &amp; Logo-</strong> Jasmine Rule</p><p><em>In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.</em></p>