Ep 29: Anonymous Q&A with Autumn
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Q&A - Answers from Autumn and the UU Crew
The UU Crew sits down with Autumn (Chris’ wife) and answers three questions from anonymous sources. The first question is extremely difficult to get through, so be careful if listening around impressionable little minds. It is a very difficult question. The others are not as heavy.
Question 1 asks if her ex-boyfriend may have raped her. She mentioned that he would ask her to have sex with her and if she said no that he would kill himself, completely manipulating the situation. She did not want to be “responsible” for his death so she agreed and he would then be extremely aggressive and hurt her badly. This left her bruised and hurt, not only physically but emotionally as well. This is called Gaslighting! And is called RAPE!!!! There is so much more that went on in this relationship. The good news for her is there are resources and help that she can receive from this trauma. Just know if this is happening to you, there is help available.
Autumn goes on and reads what rape and assault are. This is such a sensitive subject to talk about. She talks about the help and the resources available for victims. The first one is to go and talk to someone who may not know the person that is abusing the victim, but can be trusted. The second is to go and talk with a victim advocate (probably with that trusted friend by the victim’s side) so that the victim can feel the support needed from a trusted friend. The third resource is to go and file a police report (if the victim feels comfortable with that) and have the victim advocate and the friend be a part of the journey.
There really has to be a connection with trusted individuals in this journey. And knowing that a person is not alone in this scary time is very important. If the victim is in Utah, the best online resource is TheRapeRecoveryCenter.org. The hotline to call is: (801) 467-7273. However, this website can direct the victim to the help center nearest to them.
The nationwide organization is: RAINN 800.656.HOPE (4673), the national sexual assault telephone hotline. Victims can also go online and chat with someone on rainn.org. These resources can be a big help for victims.
Question 2 also deals with getting help. This is more for the addict versus the betrayed. The questioner asks about in-patient options and all options for addicts to obtain the help that they need to get out of the addiction cycle. Steve mentions three inpatient resources to get the help addicts and loved ones of addicts can receive. The first one is Paradise Creek in Logan, Utah. The second place is called Desert Solace; which is located in St. George, Utah. The third option is The Meadows as probably the best inpatient option.
There are several out-patient options too that we discuss. One option is LifeStar Network which is in Salt Lake City, Utah. This one is six days a week and the addict is there from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. LifeStar could be a great option because there have been a lot of people who have gone through Intensive Outpatient (IOP) therapy who have had a lot of success with it. There are also self-driven therapy groups. None of the UU crew have gone through the self-directed version of therapy though. However, any one of these could be the answer that God is telling the addict to use. It just depends on the addict and their commitment to recovery that will assist in this process.
SAnon and SA Lifeline are two great resources for the betrayed. This is a great way for the betrayed to get help. They will be able to work through their trauma experience. There is an example that the UU Crew talks about that the husband and wife going through the IOP at LifeStar.
Question 3 asks about how to speak with God and how to receive His love. This question is basically the “Wild At Heart” (Warrior Heart Boot Camp, in Utah) [episode 15]. He asks about how God’s children can see His “Love Notes”. Love notes are the way that Heavenly Father talks to His children’s hearts. Examples of these love notes are: sunsets, northern lights, animals, birds, rocks shaped like hearts, and specific ways that will touch each individual heart.
These notes are individualistic. This is the best way for Heavenly Father to show His children He is there. He wants to speak to His children, but His children are the ones who must invite Him in. He is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart. Bottom line is Heavenly Father will show up if there is an invite. He will show up in ways that can be so personal for the individual that the reaction is just to cry. All of His children are longing to be seen. He wants to show up for them too.
If these stories resonate with you, or you know someone who might benefit from them, please feel free to share the link to the episode with them. At Unashamed Unafraid we are here to spread the words of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Please subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @UnashamedUnafraid.