Darlene Lekowski was sexually abused by two of her older brothers beginning at just 7 years old, carrying the trauma in silence for more than five decades while building a life that looked perfect from the outside. She shares the long-term reality of sibling sexual abuse, PTSD, perfectionism, fear of abandonment, and what happens when trauma is buried instead of healed. After finally confronting one of her brothers, he responded by suing her for defamation, forcing her into a two year legal battle where she was made to relive the abuse publicly in court.

Darlene breaks down the family dynamics that kept her silent, the threats and manipulation used against her as a child, and the emotional toll of protecting everyone else while destroying herself in the process. She talks about raising children while carrying hidden trauma, how PTSD showed up throughout her life, and the moment she realized surviving wasn’t the same thing as healing. After winning the lawsuit and being validated by a jury, she began rebuilding her life, writing her book Shattering Silence, and speaking publicly to help other survivors break the shame and secrecy surrounding sibling sexual abuse, trauma, and family betrayal.

Darlene’s Links:

darlene-lekowski.com

https://www.instagram.com/darlenelekowski

https://www.facebook.com/darlenelekowski

“Shattering Silence” book

https://a.co/d/003yCIaB

Resources:

RAINN

24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline

1-800-656-HOPE

https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/

Crisis Text Line

741741

Beyond the Monsters Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters

https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.

Topic: sibling sexual trauma and abuse (SSTA), childhood trauma, family abuse, PTSD recovery, sexual abuse awareness, court trauma

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