Sitting in the Dark

Not every survivor looks the way society expects them to. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , Maci explores the harmful myth of the "perfect victim" and how survivor stereotypes impact disclosure, reporting, healing, and public perception. Why didn't they report? Why did they stay? Why can't they remember? Why do they seem okay? These are questions survivors hear every day—b...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month—but this conversation goes deeper than awareness. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , we explore the history behind SAAM, the meaning of Teal Tuesday, and the powerful story that led to Denim Day. But more than that… we talk about the people behind the movement—the survivors who spoke when it wasn’t safe, and the ones still finding their voice today. Th...

This Women’s History Month, Sitting in the Dark is taking a deeper look at the women who didn’t just participate in history—they rewrote it. In this episode, Maci is joined by Sexual Assault Advocates Michayla and Helena for a powerful, honest conversation about the women who shaped the movement against sexual violence and gender inequality. From Susan Brownmiller’s groundbreaking work reframing r...

Somewhere along the way, stalking got rebranded as devotion. The guy who won’t take no for an answer? “Persistent.” The guy who shows up everywhere? “Passionate.” The guy who watches from a distance? “Protective.” But in real life, stalking isn’t romantic — it’s dangerous. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , Maci unpacks how movies, media, and even trending dark romance narratives can blur th...

January can be loud. Full of resolutions, expectations, and pressure to start fresh—before we’ve even had time to catch our breath. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , Maci offers a softer start to the year. One rooted in honesty, rest, and compassion—for ourselves and for each other. We talk about arriving in January already tired, why “new year, new you” doesn’t work for everyone, and how h...

This end-of-year episode of Sitting in the Dark is an honest conversation for survivors, current advocates, and anyone curious about stepping into this work. Maci reflects on the moments that shaped this year — the heavy ones, the hopeful ones, and the ones that didn’t make it to social media. Together, we talk through: what advocacy really looks like behind the scenes, what survivors may have fac...

Holding Space Through the Holidays: Supporting Loved Ones & Stepping In With Courage The holidays can be beautiful… and heavy. Whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you love, or navigating complicated family dynamics, this episode offers a gentle guide for getting through Thanksgiving week with compassion and courage. Join Maci as she explores trauma-informed ways to check in with love...

🎙️ Breaking the Silence: Race, Trust, and Identity After Sexual Assault When we talk about sexual violence, we have to talk about power—and power is shaped by identity. In this episode, host Maci Torres and guest Sarah Enderlein , a sociology graduate student and volunteer advocate, explore how race, ethnicity, and sexuality influence survivors’ experiences after sexual assault. Drawing from resea...

Rape Culture & Sexism in the Media Headlines. Movies. Music. Ads. Everyday conversations. The media doesn’t just reflect our culture—it shapes it. And too often, what it reflects is a world where sexual violence is normalized, excused, or ignored. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , we break down how rape culture shows up in the media we consume, how silence fuels the next generation’s be...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and survivor experiences. Please take care of yourself and listen at your own pace. When survivors of sexual assault are ready to tell their story, the process of reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. Seek Then Speak is an innovative, online tool designed to change that—giving survivors the chance to share their experien...

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , we welcome Shahd Alasaly , founder of Blue Meets Blue and the voice behind the Shattered Vows series. Through her work as a social researcher and humanitarian entrepreneur, Shahd creates spaces of empowerment, dignity, and healing for refugee women and survivors of emotional abuse. Together, we explore the intersection of resilience and vulnerability—how st...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Nikki Barnett from Student Advocacy and Support and Amanda Berry from the Title IX office at East Texas A&M University. Together, we explore what real support looks like for student survivors of sexual violence—both on campus and through off-campus partnerships like ours at the Crisis Center of Northeast Texas. We discuss safety planning, Title IX prot...

For many survivors, healing begins in silence—but it doesn’t have to stay there. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , we explore the power of creative expression in the aftermath of trauma. From painting and journaling to music and movement, creative healing gives survivors a way to process what words alone can’t always hold. Whether you're a survivor yourself or supporting someone on thei...

Swipe Safe: Online Dating & Digital Boundaries Online dating can open doors to connection, community, and companionship—but it also comes with real risks. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Maci explores how to navigate dating apps and digital spaces with confidence and care. We’ll talk about setting clear boundaries, recognizing red flags, protecting your privacy, and trusting your intui...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the myth that self-care is a luxury or selfish act. Join us as we explore what true self-care looks like for survivors, advocates, and anyone carrying heavy emotional loads. From setting boundaries to reclaiming rest, this conversation is your reminder that taking care of yourself is not only valid—it’s vital.

Episode 12: Journey of Advocacy – Sitting with You in the Dark In this solo episode, Maci reflects on the powerful connection between advocacy and healing. Speaking directly to survivors and those curious about advocacy work, she explores what it truly means to show up, offer support, and hold space for others in their darkest moments. Whether you’re seeking support or considering becoming an advo...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses trauma triggers and coping strategies, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , Amy and Maci are joined by Clinical Director Nicole Everett to discuss triggers—what they are, why they happen, and how survivors can manage them . They explore common trauma responses like dissocia...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses trauma and its effects on the brain, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , Amy and Maci sit down with Clinical Director Nicole Everett to explore the neuroscience of trauma . They discuss how the brain reacts to traumatic events, why survivors may experience memory gaps or h...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, multidisciplinary response, and survivor experiences. Listener discretion is advised. Episode Title: SART Roundtable – Coordinated Care for Survivors In this special roundtable episode of Sitting in the Dark , hosts Amy and Maci sit down with key members of the Hunt County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) to explore how a coordinated, m...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault response and survivor support, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , hosts Amy and Maci introduce listeners to the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) —a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing coordinated, survivor-centered care. They break down what SA...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault and awareness efforts, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Sitting in the Dark , Amy and Maci kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) by discussing why this month is so important in the fight against sexual violence. They explore the history of SAAM, the ongoing efforts to...

*TRIGGER WARNING* This episode discusses the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault offense, and the medical care received afterwards. Please take care of yourself, step away if needed, call our 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline at 903-454-9999 to speak with an advocate. *Episode Details* If you've ever wondered what happens after an assault, this episode is for you. A compassionate Sexual Assault...

We're diving into consent in this special "mini" episode. *Trigger Warning* We discuss difficult topics of sexual assault. Please take care of yourself, walk away and come back, reach out for help on our 24/7 hotline at 903-454-9999.

*Trigger Warning* We will be discussing heavy topics regarding sexual violence. Please take care of yourself; step away if needed and reach out for support.

In this episode, we introduce CCNETX to you. We include our mission, services we offer such as 24/7 sexual assault hotline, advocacy, and therapy, we talk about some team members, and how you can get involved! For more information, please visit our website at www.ccnetx.org or call 903-454-9999.