In this episode of "Between the Before and After," I have a conversation with Megan Conner, an advocate for abuse victims and survivors. Megan shares her personal story of being abused as a child. 

Megan also dives into her upbringing in the Mormon church and the pressures placed on its members. Eventually leaving the church, she now focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle after surviving trauma. During our discussion, we explore the concept of grooming and how victims often don't realize they are being manipulated until it's too late. 

She also shares the challenges she faced in forming relationships and dealing with the lingering trauma throughout her life. We touch upon the harmful teachings and victim-blaming prevalent in the Mormon church, shedding light on the damaging effects they have on survivors. 

Megan reveals her journey towards healing and the therapy she sought to address her trauma. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care routines during therapy, as well as navigating the side effects that can arise. Megan also discusses disclosing her experiences to her parents and siblings, and her beautiful relationship with her children. 

Through writing her book, she aims to inspire and provide hope for other survivors of abuse. In our conversation, we emphasize the need to shift society's beliefs towards victims and prioritize empathy. While maintaining the principle of innocent until proven guilty, we discuss how starting with a belief in victims can lead to a more compassionate response. Understanding the reasons behind false allegations can also help us develop empathy for survivors. 

Child grooming becomes another focal point as we discuss the fears associated with it. We stress the importance of education and actively being present in our children's lives to prevent such incidents. Megan emphasizes her dedication to providing emotional stability and love to her own children, ensuring their safety and well-being. 

We also highlight the low percentage of false accusations and the importance of addressing the underlying reasons behind such behavior, all while believing victims and relying on skilled investigators to uncover the truth. 

CONNECT WITH MEGAN: https://third-verse.com/