"He Took My Innocence" - Surviving Child Sexual Abuse | Chloe Jean on Tom's Talks Podcast

The Tom's Talks Podcast is a place where we speak to a vast array of people from different walks of life and find out what makes them them. We will speak about their unique journey and delve into the highs and the lows which ultimately define them.  This episode discusses child sexual abuse, rape, disordered eating and suicide. If you're struggling, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. Chloe was nine years old when the man her family trusted to drive her to school began grooming her. The abuse went on until she was nearly 13, and she stayed silent because he told her no one would believe her. It would be 17 years before she went to the police. Chloe is the founder of the Be Brave Project, a podcast and platform giving survivors of sexual abuse a voice. In this conversation she shares her story with real honesty: how grooming actually works, why so many children never tell anyone, and what happened when she finally did. She also talks about the things survivors are most afraid to say out loud, the trial that followed, and why healing is never really finished. Her message to any child going through it now is simple: you will be believed. What we get into: • How a trusted family driver groomed her from the age of nine, with jokes, treats and making her feel special • The threats he used to keep her quiet, and why she believed every one of them • The confusion and shame survivors rarely talk about, and why she now speaks about it openly • The day she jumped from a climbing frame and broke her arm so he wouldn't be the one to pick her up • Telling her sister at 15, and the years that followed: drinking, dangerous situations and being raped at 22 • The depression that came from carrying it alone, and how she stopped eating when she was anxious • How her mum found out, and the call to the NSPCC helpline that led her to the police • What a two-week trial is really like, from three days on the stand to hearing her abuser behind a curtain • Why she felt guilty when he was sentenced to nine years, and what his possible release means when he lives ten minutes away • Why abusers are rarely the "scary monster" people imagine, and are usually someone the child already knows • Forgiveness, and the one question she would ask him if she could • Consent, misogyny, and why staying silent when someone makes a rape joke is part of the problem • The Be Brave Project, speaking in schools, and why she believes healing never fully ends Tom also shares the night he found his brother Liam, why he believes life happens for you and not to you, and opens up about being sexually abused himself at 15. Subscribe to Tom's Talks for a new episode every week. If you found value in this episode: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations that matter Subscribe for weekly conversations with inspiring guests sharing real stories about resilience, growth and overcoming life’s challenges. It would mean the world to me if you were to like, comment, subscribe on my videos whilst I share my ongoing journey. Check out my website: https://toms-talks.co.uk/ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toms.talks\_\_/ Proudly sponsored by: https://osiofficefurniture.co.uk/ Support the show Check out my website: toms-talks.co.uk Follow me on Instagram: toms.talks\\ Follow me on TikTok: tomstalks Subscribe on YouTube: TomsTalks