Surviving Sexual Trauma: Root’s Story of Abuse, Boundaries & Healing

Root shares her story of surviving sexual trauma, abusive relationships, and healing. A candid conversation on boundaries, consent, and recovery.

Sexual trauma, abusive relationships, and the path to healing take center stage in this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays. Hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Root, a courageous survivor who shares her deeply personal journey of abuse, recovery, and reclaiming self-worth.

Root’s story shines light on the hidden complexities of toxic and abusive relationships, especially among young adults. With raw honesty, she explains how trauma impacts mental health, the importance of setting boundaries, and the role of trusted support systems in recovery.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Recognizing red flags in abusive relationships

• The psychological impact of sexual trauma

• How boundaries protect self-worth and healing

• Myths about consent and sexual behavior in our culture

• Finding strength through support, community, and self-advocacy

This episode is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand abuse, support survivors, or navigate their own healing journey.

Join us as we explore these critical topics with sensitivity and compassion, aiming to empower listeners to advocate for themselves and others.

 

RESOURCES

If you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship, please call your local police or any of the following...

 *988 the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call your local police or National Centers for Victims of Crime (NCVC) 1-800-FYI-CALL
if you suspect that you have been the victim of crimes 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline [phone].SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 

The National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474
A service of Love is Respect,  this national, 24-hour resource is specifically designed for teens and young adults. The Helpline is accessible by phone or online chat and offers real-time, one-on-one support from peer advocates trained to offer support, information, and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.

Love is Respect
A collaboration between Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline, this web resource provides  information and resources on dating violence and healthy dating attitudes and relationships for youth. The site includes an overview of the issue (e.g., early warning signs, types of abuse, the cycle of abuse), quizzes for teens to determine whether they are experiencing or inflicting abuse, a live chat feature that connects youth with a peer advocate 24/7, videos, a blog, and more. In addition to the live chat, Love is Respect connects youth to the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453. Youth can also reach out for help by texting “loveis” to 22522.

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

00:15 Setting Boundaries in Relationships

00:40 Welcome to 7 on Sundays

01:25 Introducing Root's Story

02:20 Root's First Relationship

03:11 The Abuse Unfolds

06:14 Grounding and Support

07:39 Reflecting on the Trauma

08:34 Understanding the Abuse

17:35 The Impact of Pornography

30:17 Root's Second Relationship

36:35 Understanding Deserved Love

37:29 Setting Boundaries and Self-Worth

38:03 Family Dynamics and Dysfunction

40:35 Breaking the Silence

41:49 The Importance of Therapy

45:49 Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships

01:02:43 Power Dynamics in Relationships

01:08:02 The Journey to Healing

01:10:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement