Erin Breaks Her Silence As A Navy Commander

The Silenced Voices of MST

Today, we sit down with Navy Commander Erin Elliot, a courageous woman who shares her harrowing experience of sexual assault by a former boyfriend, shedding light on the complexities of reporting assault and the varying support systems she encountered.

Commander Elliot opens up about her traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted after a seemingly ordinary brunch with a former boyfriend and a friend. She shares the challenges, nuances, and emotional toll of each decision, providing valuable insights into the military's response to such incidents.

Commander Elliot contrasts the support she received from different commanders. While one provided unwavering support and empathy, another displayed the complete opposite, highlighting the inconsistency in how the military handles sexual assault cases.

Commander Elliot faced additional stressors such as the loss of a parent, rigorous training, and assuming command responsibilities. Her ability to navigate these challenges serves as a testament to her strength and determination.

Commander Elliot has transformed her experience into a platform for change. She actively engages with Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy groups, military and civilian leaders, and various organizations to raise awareness about the issue. Her testimony before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel in 2019 underscores her commitment to driving systemic change.

Her advocacy work focuses on creating a more supportive environment for survivors, fostering accountability, and challenging existing norms surrounding sexual assault within the armed forces.

Commander Elliot testifying :

https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4789779/navy-lieutenant-commander-shares-personal-rape-story

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To leave Commander Elliot a note of thanks or encouragement, please visit: https://silencedvoicesmst.com/salute-to-survivors

Winners of Starbucks Gift Cards!

Jessie Chen, Asher Skylark, and Charlyne Styles thank you for particpating!

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources.

Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264),

Intro and Outro by Rich Culbreath - https://www.facebook.com/Lyricist4Lyfe

Podcast Mentor Benter Oluoch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benter-oluoch-ba944a179/

Marketing Advisor Rex Seaton - https://www.instagram.com/rexseaton