Lolo 1’s revelation about her traumatic experience of sexual assault sheds light on the deep emotional scars such incidents can leave, especially when they involve individuals within one’s professional circle. Her decision to share her story on the ‘Say My Piece’ podcast is incredibly brave, particularly given the stigma and scrutiny that survivors often face.
Lolo’s words reflect a painful and common reality that many survivors of sexual assault grapple with: the self-blame and the fear of being criticized for not speaking out sooner. The pressure to remain silent, especially when the perpetrator holds a prominent position, can often prevent survivors from coming forward. Her struggle with panic when encountering her abuser is a powerful reminder of the lasting trauma that sexual assault can cause.
The industry dynamics she describes are also concerning. The fear of facing backlash or being questioned for waiting years to speak out is a harsh reality that many survivors face, particularly when the person who assaulted them holds power or status in their field. It highlights the broader issue of how women are often disbelieved or blamed for their trauma, rather than supported in their healing process.
By sharing her story, Lolo 1 is contributing to the larger conversation about sexual violence in the workplace, the importance of creating safe environments, and the need for empathy toward survivors. It’s a step towards breaking the silence and challenging the norms that enable perpetrators to escape accountability.