Finding your courage and voice to speak out

Madeline Black joins Joanne Lockwood to talk about what it took to find the courage to speak publicly about being gang raped at 13, and how shame and fear kept her silent for decades. She describes how victim-blaming culture and gaps in societal and justice-system support can reinforce that silence, and why shifting responsibility back to perpetrators matters.

Madeline reflects on the long-term impact of trauma, including disordered eating, suicidal feelings, anxiety and PTSD, and the gradual process of healing through support and therapy. She shares why stepping into the shame and telling the truth of what happened helped her reconnect with her sense of self-worth and authenticity.

The conversation also explores why speaking out can be contagious: how public storytelling can create connection, inspire others to disclose their own experiences, and build empathy. They touch on online harassment, the increased risks of domestic abuse during COVID-19 lockdowns, and the need for workplaces and communities to create conditions where people can be heard safely.