Man vs. Bear: On Surviving Sexual Assault and Trauma | Corinna Bellizzi & Tim Mousseau

In this poignant and insightful episode of Care More, Be Better, host Corinna Bellizzi shares her personal story of survival for the first time. She then shares an interview with Tim Mousseau, a survivor of sexual violence turned speaker and advocate. They explore the complexities of sexual violence, harassment, and the essential steps needed to create safer environments in both personal and professional settings. Tim shares his powerful story, offering guidance on how to support survivors, set boundaries, and foster empathetic curiosity to cultivate safer, more inclusive cultures.

Key Points:

[00:00:00] **Introduction and Context**:

- Corinna discusses a trending question from TikTok: "If you were alone in the woods, would you rather encounter a man or a bear?"

- She shares her own harrowing experience of abuse and the profound impact it had on her life. Emphasizes the importance of speaking out to raise awareness and support others.

[00:07:52] ** Introducing Tim Mousseau**

[00:11:20] **Tim Mousseau's Story**:

- Tim recounts receiving anonymous letters and photos of his assault, triggering his journey of dealing with trauma and seeking support.

- The significant challenges he faced with the police and his employer’s response.

- The transformative power of therapy and support groups in his healing process.

- His decision to speak publicly about his experience to reclaim control and empower others.

[00:17:20] **Understanding and Supporting Survivors**:

- The importance of empathy and not victim-blaming or shaming.

- How to support someone who comes forward with their story: creating safe spaces, offering resources, and respecting their autonomy.

- The significance of documentation and the challenges with the legal system.

[00:23:26] **Creating Safer Work Environments**:

- Redefining workplace policies to be more comprehensive and supportive of employees.

- Importance of clear reporting channels and proactive measures to address harassment and violence.

- The role of managers in fostering a culture of safety and respect.

[00:32:55] **Boundaries and Empathetic Curiosity**:

- The importance of understanding and respecting personal boundaries.

- Strategies for setting and communicating boundaries in both personal and professional contexts.

- Encouraging organizations to model and respect boundaries to create inclusive environments.

[00:39:42] **Workplace Dating and Consent**

[00:45:17] **Educational Resources and Tools**:

- Recommended resources for parents, educators, and organizations to teach consent and support survivors.

- The role of media literacy in understanding and addressing issues related to sexual violence.

[00:54:53] **Empowerment through Empathy**:

- The power of empathetic curiosity in building safer communities.

- Fostering environments where individuals feel cared for and respected.

[00:57:26] **Call to Action**

Final Thoughts:

This episode emphasizes the critical importance of speaking out, supporting survivors, and fostering empathetic and safe environments. Tim Mousseau’s journey offers valuable insights and practical advice for individuals and organizations alike, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and respect.

Resources Mentioned:

- Tim Mousseau's Website: https://www.timmousseau.com

- Joyful Heart Foundation: https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org

- 1 in 6: https://1in6.org

- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org

- Know Your Title IX: https://www.knowyourix.org

- Start Strong Program: https://www.startstrongboston.org

- Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus: https://www.amazon.com/Sexual-Citizen...

Host Contact Information:

- Email: corinna@caremorebebetter.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corinnabell... and https://www.instagram.com/caremore.be...

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinnabellizzi

- Website: Care More Be Better https://www.caremorebebetter.com