Today’s episode is Part One of a deeply personal conversation with Hope Henderson. A quick note before we begin: this episode includes conversations about rape, sexual assault, trauma, and controlling relationships. Please take care of yourself as you listen.

In her early 20s, Hope experienced rape and sexual assault, trauma that didn’t simply end when the experiences were over. It shaped how she saw herself, how she navigated relationships, and what she came to accept as normal.

We talk about how those experiences followed her into adulthood and informed some of the relationships she chose, including a marriage to a man who became increasingly controlling.

Today, Hope shares her life openly through Join Franke, her Instagram page dedicated to divorce, life after divorce, and all the messy, complicated, and sometimes hilarious parts of rebuilding your life.

This conversation is about the ripple effects of trauma. The things we survive, the things we normalize, and the patterns we sometimes don’t recognize until years later.

Hope shares her story with incredible openness, and there was too much to fit into one episode, so we’re sharing our conversation in two parts.

This is Part One of Hope Henderson’s story.

Give Hope a follow @joinfranke for all things personal and divorce-related on instagram!

If you or anyone else is in need of help with a sexual assualt, PLEASE CALL 1-800-656-4673 (800-656-HOPE).