đ Sitting in the Dark â A podcast for survivors, their loved ones, and the community.
Created by the Crisis Center of Northeast Texas, this series offers support, education, and compassion for those navigating through the pain and uncertainty that comes after sexual assault. Because healing isnât always linear, and sometimes, just sitting together in the dark is enough. đ
Trigger Warning: We will be addressing sensitive topics related to sexual violence. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, please prioritize your well-being, and take a break if you need to.
Not a "Perfect Victim": When You Don't Fit the Narrative
Not every survivor looks the way society expects them to.
In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Maci explores the harmful myth of the "perfect victim" and how survivor stereotypes impact disclosure, reporting, healing, and public perception.
Why didn't they report? Why did they stay? Why can't they remember? Why do they seem okay?
These are questions survivors hear every dayâbut they're often rooted in misunderstanding rather than trauma-informed knowledge.
Join us as we discuss how trauma actually affects people, why there is no "right" way to respond to victimization, and how the expectation of a perfect victim can silence survivors while protecting those who cause harm.
Whether you're a survivor, support person, professional, or community member, this conversation challenges us to replace judgment with curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
Because survivors don't have to fit the narrative to deserve support, dignity, and belief.
Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence, trauma, victim-blaming, and survivor experiences.
14 Apr 2026
Teal Takeover - Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Monthâbut this conversation goes deeper than awareness.
In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, we explore the history behind SAAM, the meaning of Teal Tuesday, and the powerful story that led to Denim Day. But more than that⌠we talk about the people behind the movementâthe survivors who spoke when it wasnât safe, and the ones still finding their voice today.
This episode is both educational and deeply human. A reminder that what we see on the surfaceâcolors, campaigns, and hashtagsâare rooted in real stories, real pain, and real resilience.
If youâre a survivor, this space is for you.
If youâre supporting someone, this will help you understand.
And if youâre just beginning to learnâthis is a place to start.
You are not alone. And you never have to carry it by yourself.
21 Mar 2026
The Women Who Changed the Game
This Womenâs History Month, Sitting in the Dark is taking a deeper look at the women who didnât just participate in historyâthey rewrote it.
In this episode, Maci is joined by Sexual Assault Advocates Michayla and Helena for a powerful, honest conversation about the women who shaped the movement against sexual violence and gender inequality. From Susan Brownmillerâs groundbreaking work reframing rape as a crime of power and control, to Tarana Burkeâs survivor-centered vision behind the Me Too movement, to Ruth Bader Ginsburgâs lasting legal impact, this episode explores how advocacy has evolved across generations.
But this conversation goes beyond well-known names.
Together, they reflect on the cost of advocacy, the emotional labor carried by women in this field, and the tension that still exists when pushing for survivor-centered change. They also share personal stories about the women who shaped themâmentors, advocates, and family members whose strength may not have been loud, but was deeply transformative.
This episode is a reminder that advocacy doesnât always look like a microphone or a movement.
Sometimes, it looks like presence. Like consistency. Like choosing to stay.
And while progress has been made, the work is far from finished.
Because the door may be openâbut itâs our responsibility to hold it wider for the next generation.
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
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Quality
62
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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