Can You Hear Me?

About Can You Hear Me?

A podcast hosted by The Survivors Trust's Lucy Duckworth⁠ and ⁠comedian Mark O'Sullivan who are on a mission ⁠to make conversations about sexual violence easier.

Publisher

The Survivors Trust

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

9 Dec 2024

Latest episode

27 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Oct 2025

   Debate, Disruption, and Survivor Voices

   Here are the show notes for the podcast episode. TW: Child sexual abuse is discussed, including specific cases and cover-ups. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this episode, Lucy Duckworth recounts her experience as a panelist at a contentious debate titled, "Will the grooming gangs inquiry, deliver for victims and society"1. She describes a hostile environment where the conversation was consistently diverted towards immigration and race, rather than the broader systemic issue of sexual violence in the UK. Lucy and Mark discuss how survivor stories are hijacked for political narratives, the dangers of creating a "hierarchy of abuse," and the shocking reality that three years after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, not one of its recommendations has been implemented by the government. Key Takeaways: Political Hijacking of Abuse Narratives: The conversation around "grooming gangs" is often co-opted by those wishing to push a political narrative focused on immigration, distracting from the much larger, society-wide problem of child sexual abuse4444. Dismissal of Survivor Voices and Experts: The episode highlights a concerning trend where expert opinions and survivor testimonies are dismissed if they don't fit a preconceived political agenda. There is No Hierarchy of Abuse: Lucy and Mark stress that all survivors deserve equal support and validation, regardless of who perpetrated the abuse or the context in which it occurred. Government Inaction is a Disgrace: It has been three years since the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published its 20 recommendations after a seven-and-a-half-year investigation. Episode Highlights: 01:10: Lucy introduces the Adora Debate Society event she attended and the panel's composition. 04:47: Lucy describes the hostile atmosphere, where she was dismissed and misquoted by other panelists and the audience. 05:46: Discussion on the statistic that "grooming gangs" make up an estimated 7% of sexual abuse cases and the lack of official police data on perpetrator ethnicity. 08:28: An audience member expresses being "sick of church survivors going on and on," leading to a discussion on the dismissal of certain survivor groups. 10:41: Panelist Baroness Claire Fox states she disagrees that there is no hierarchy of abuse. 12:43: Lucy recounts being told that "the biggest threat to our nation is white, middle class liberal women like Lucy". 14:15: Despite the difficult evening, two survivors in the audience contacted Lucy the next day to disclose their abuse for the first time. 17:25: Mark and Lucy highlight the government's failure to act on any of the recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, three years after they were published. About the Hosts Lucy Duckworth Mark Thomas Mentioned in the Episode Adora Debate Society David Greenwood, Head of Child Abuse Department at Switalskis solicitors Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) This episode was written and recorded by Lucy Duckworth & Mark Thomas and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

2. 

   20 Oct 2025

   The £12.8 Billion Cost of Ignoring a Crisis

   TW: This episode discusses themes of sexual violence and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956. Welcome back to the podcast. In this episode, hosts Lucy Duckworth and Mark Thomas catch up after a busy summer and reflect on the current state of the specialist sexual violence sector in the UK. They discuss the frustrating paradox where public conversation around sexual violence has increased, partly thanks to TV shows like Baby Reindeer, yet government funding and legislative action are at an "all time low". The conversation explores the personal toll of staying constantly informed, the societal cost of inaction, and what practical steps can be taken by both individuals and the government to create meaningful change. Significantly, this episode has been released on the three-year anniversary of the groundbreaking report on child sexual abuse (IICSA) (https://www.iicsa.org.uk), whose recommendations have yet to be implemented. Key Takeaways: Action Lags Behind Awareness: Despite a noticeable increase in public discourse about sexual violence and mental health, this has not led to necessary governmental action. The Danger of Disconnecting: Mark shares his experience of taking a year-long break from the news, which improved his personal happiness and wellbeing. The Cost of Inaction is Staggering: Child sexual abuse is estimated to cost the UK £12.8 billion a year. Small Changes Signal Hope: While high-level policy change is stalled, there are positive signs of progress on the frontline. Practical Steps for Listeners: Frustrated listeners are encouraged to take action by having open conversations about the topic to reduce stigma, writing to their MP to demand action, and following campaigns for legislative change. Highlights: 01:48: Lucy outlines the current crisis in the sexual violence sector, where funding is at an all-time low and helpful legislation has stalled. 02:40: Mark reflects on his conscious decision to stop following the news for a year and how it made him a much happier person. 06:05: A reminder of the 20 key recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse that have still not been implemented by the government. 07:30: Discussion on how shows like Baby Reindeer have successfully started conversations, but this has not yet translated into tangible support or policy change for the sector. 10:51: The shocking statistic that half a million children a year are affected by abuse is compared to the response to the COVID pandemic, highlighting a massive disparity in urgency. 15:39: What can you do to help? Lucy and Mark discuss practical actions, from having conversations with friends to contacting your MP. This episode was written and recorded by Lucy Duckworth & Mark Thomas and produced by Lucy Lucraft. (https://lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.

3. 

   6 Feb 2025

   Dr. Ellie Hanson: The Harms of the Online Sex Industry

   TW: Discussion of sexual violence, child abuse, pornography, and exploitation, including details of online platforms and their practices. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this episode, we discuss the concerning realities of the online sex industry, with our guest, Dr. Ellie Hanson (https://www.drellyhanson.com/), a clinical psychologist specialising in preventing and tackling sexual abuse and exploitation. Ellie left us speechless on more than one occasion with her incredible insight into the harmful dynamics at play in pornography, particularly the objectification and exploitation facilitated by platforms like OnlyFans and PornHub. We delve into how the marketing of sex as a commodity affects both adults and children, the links between pornography consumption and harmful sexual behaviors, and the urgent need for regulation and societal change. Since recording, a further OnlyFans exposé (https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/onlyfans-sex-origins/) by Reuters reveals that the platform subcontracts its content moderation to workers in war-torn Ukraine. They are recruited by the ‘almost untraceable’ company StopFraud with whom OnlyFans has a shadowy relationship. Reuters cites content moderation experts who agreed that OnlyFans’ claim of blanket human review is implausible, and when Reuters spoke to several former StopFraud workers, they described clandestine working conditions, including the use of nondisclosure agreements and only knowing their colleagues by nickname. Companies’ reports to Ofcom are shared publicly, but in OnlyFans documentation, details of their content moderation have been redacted. X now states that it shields pornography from children, but this appears to significantly rely (https://help.x.com/en/rules-and-policies/adult-content) on children stating that they’re children and the people posting porn labelling their content as such. They will need to implement proper Age Verification within the UK by the summer of 2025. Episode Highlights: 02:11 Defining harm in the context of sexual abuse and exploitation 04:16 The marketing of sex and the rise of OnlyFans as "ethical porn" 06:03 Discussing pornography with children: following the money and business models 13:08 The link between pornography consumption and harmful sexual behaviors, including peer-on-peer abuse 28:00 The global reach of OnlyFans and its staggering growth Referenced in the episode: Gail Dines' work on human rights and sexuality (https://www.gaildines.com/dr_gail_dines/) Children's Commissioner's research on young people's perceptions of sexual violence (https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2023/02/cc-a-lot-of-it-is-actually-just-abuse-young-people-and-pornography-updated.pdf) Reuters OnlyFans Exposed special reports (https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/onlyfans-sex-legal-cases/) This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by Lucy Lucraft and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

4. 

   21 Jan 2025

   Unpacking the Home Secretary's Statement on Child Sexual Abuse

   Disclaimer: CW: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and exploitation, including specific cases and cover-ups. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956. In this episode, we discuss the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA) and the recent developments following the Home Secretary's statement in Parliament. Lucy Duckworth, a survivor and advocate, shares her insights on the inquiry's findings, the importance of implementing its recommendations, and the need for greater awareness and action to protect children from sexual abuse. Episode Highlights: 02:00: Lucy Duckworth explains the context of the Home Secretary's statement. 04:00: The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA) and its 20 key recommendations. 09:00: Mandatory reporting for those in a position of trust. 13:00: The Church of England's new leader and safeguarding. 18:00: The importance of not focusing on individual cases and recognizing the full scale of child sexual abuse. Mentioned in the episode: The Survivors Trust (https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&source=gmail&q=https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/) ICSA (https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&source=gmail&q=https://www.icsa.org.uk/) This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan, produced by Lucy Lucraft and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

5. 

   25 Dec 2024

   John O'Brien: The problem with public inquiries

   Today we chat to John O'Brien, who served as secretary to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of establishing a public inquiry from logistical hurdles to the crucial task of building trust with survivors. John sheds light on the secretary's role, the essential groundwork needed for such an undertaking, and the vital role of independent reviews. The conversation explores the cultural shifts needed to prevent child sexual abuse, the urgency of implementing the inquiry's recommendations, and the long-term commitment required to protect future generations. Despite the challenges, John shares reasons for hope, emphasizing the impact of continued advocacy and unwavering support for strong child protection measures. Episode Highlights: 03:08 Role and Responsibilities of a Secretary 07:15 Building Relationships and Reaching Out 09:50 Deciding the Inquiry's Focus 17:51 Common Failures in Institutions 21:57 Importance of National Inquiries 28:18 Implementing Recommendations and Legislation 32:23 Future Steps and Optimism This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. Podcast production and cover art by Lucy Lucraft.

6. 

   19 Dec 2024

   The Church's Dirty Secrets: Justin Welby Resigns

   The Survivors Trust hosts Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan discuss the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, exposing systemic child abuse cover-ups in the Church of England and advocating for mandatory reporting and institutional reform.

7. 

   19 Dec 2024

   BONUS - The One Where We are Incensed

   Theologian Lucy Duckworth and journalist Mark O'Sullivan expose the Church of England's failures to address child abuse allegations and demand accountability and reform.

8. 

   11 Dec 2024

   What does it mean? 'Whose responsibility is it?'

   Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan explore the critical need to speak openly about child sexual abuse, highlighting the collective responsibility of governments, tech companies, and individuals in creating a safer world for children.

9. 

   11 Dec 2024

   What does it mean? Our language around sexual violence

   TW: This episode contains a discussion of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 This episode explores how the language we use around sexual violence can impact survivors. We delve into the concept of trauma-informed communication, emphasizing the importance of choosing our words carefully to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Episode Highlights: 02:27 Discussing Language Around Sexual Violence 03:15 Victim vs. Survivor Terminology 04:05 Personal Experiences and Societal Perceptions 07:28 Media Representation and Language 13:39 The Problem with 'Historical' Abuse 17:11 Healthcare Language and Trust Issues This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust. Podcast Production & Cover Art by Lucy Lucraft

10. 

    11 Dec 2024

    What does it mean? Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

    TW: This episode contains a discussion of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 This episode explores the groundbreaking Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), a landmark investigation that ran from 2015 to 2022. We discuss the inquiry's deep dive into institutional failings and its crucial recommendations for preventing child sexual abuse. Shockingly, the government has yet to implement any of these vital recommendations. We also examine the wider societal impact of sexual violence and stress the urgent need for action on the IICSA's findings to better protect children. Episode Highlights: 02:06 Origins and Purpose of IICSA 03:44 Scope and Challenges of the Inquiry 06:25 Findings and Recommendations 09:01 Impact and Importance of ICSA This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth & Mark O'Sullivan and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

11. 

    9 Dec 2024

    Introducing the Can You Hear Me? Podcast!

    TW: This podcast contains discussions of child and adult sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised If you need support, please call our free, confidential helpline: 0808 801 0818 or text: 07860 022 956 In this introductory episode of the Can You Hear Me? podcast, The Survivors Trust's Lucy Duckworth (https://thesurvivorstrust.org/) and comedian (and TST ambassador) Mark O'Sullivan (https://x.com/immarkosullivan)tell you our mission to make conversations about sexual violence easier. There are so many questions that people are, understandably, afraid to ask and that's why Can You Hear Me? will be a safe space, where we can talk about it, ask the difficult questions, and maybe even find some answers. We are both survivors of childhood sexual abuse and we can't wait to interview amazing guests who have expertise and experience in this subject to face an issue which has been called a national emergency, yet feels a conversation many people are unwilling or unable to have. New episodes are released every Wednesday. This episode was written and hosted by Lucy Duckworth (https://thesurvivorstrust.org/) & Mark O'Sullivan (https://x.com/immarkosullivan), produced by Lucy Lucraft (https://www.lucylucraft.co.uk/)and brought to you by The Survivors Trust.

Who has been a guest on Can You Hear Me?

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Justin Welby
• Stephen Cottrell
• David Tudor
• Helen-Ann Hartley

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

681,125

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

46

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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