Sarah Hicks (Part Two): Sexual Trauma, Justice Failures and Survivor-Led Advocacy for Reform

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, we continue the second part of a powerful two-part conversation with Sarah Hicks, who shares her courageous journey through trauma, justice and long-term recovery.Speaking with clarity and unflinching honesty, Sarah reflects on her experience of surviving sexual assault and the profound psychological impact that followed. She details the systemic barriers she encountered while seeking justice - from investigative inconsistencies to structural gaps that can retraumatise survivors rather than support them.As Sarah traces her path through advocacy, she highlights how transforming pain into purpose became a catalyst for change. Working with the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Independent Advisory Group, as well as serving as a lived experience coordinator, she now champions survivor-led reform, pushing institutions to become more accountable, trauma-informed and compassionate.This episode is a sobering, essential exploration of resilience, systemic improvement and the vital role of lived experience at the heart of meaningful reform.In this episode:The long-term impact of surviving sexual assaultSystemic failures and barriers within justice and investigative processesTrauma, recovery and rebuilding trust in institutionsSarah’s role in the Violence Against Women and Girls Independent Advisory GroupLived experience coordination and survivor-led reformThe emotional cost of speaking out — and the power it createsWhy advocacy, accountability and trauma-informed practice matterSearch terms: sexual trauma recovery, survivor-led advocacy, VAWG lived experience, mental health and trauma, justice system failures, addiction recovery podcast UK, stigma and recovery.Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it. Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com This podcast is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone. If you want to change your direction, grow as a person, and live life to its full potential, Change Grow Live is here to help you. We’re here for you if you need help with challenges including drugs or alcohol, trouble with housing, domestic abuse, or your mental and physical wellbeing. Change Grow Live services are free and confidential. Click the link below to refer yourself to your local service. https://www.changegrowlive.org/local-support/find-a-service 📩 Podcast Contact: [email protected]🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” by Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six) 🔗 Listen & Subscribe Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4Cr4wzZ6bxku1cRcoYKbGK Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/believe-in-people/id1617239923 ...

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