Stay Connected: A Rape Survivor’s Road to “We Got Him”

Episode Description

Stay Connected: A Rape Survivor’s Road to “We Got Him”

In 1991, Berit Francis was raped by a stranger who was waiting inside her Berkeley apartment. Fifteen years later, the detective on her case called with three words: “We got him.”

Berit is a philanthropist, activist, stylist, writer and mom of four. She bravely shares details of that attack, how her attacker was caught, and why she’s still speaking up 35 years later. She and Archelle also talk about how she healed from PTSD and depression, and the surprising ways sexual assault still shapes her health decisions.

Key Takeaways:

Get medical care right away. You don’t have to decide right away whether to report.
Stay connected. Keep in touch with the detective or advocate on your case.
Find other survivors. Connect with people who understand.
Trauma can make some screenings and procedures feel impossible. Tell your doctor if a test feels like too much. Instead of skipping them, talk to your doctor about an alternative,
Speak up. Silence protects the wrong people.

Content note: This episode includes a detailed, first-person account of sexual assault.

Resources: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 988.

Links

You can learn more about Berit's outlook on life (and fashion) on her website. You can also follow her on Instagram.

Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter

Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth