Sarah Strong 'Advice'

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Visual

 Blue background with white text appears on screen: "Warning: This video references sexual violence."

Scene changes to a headshot of Sarah Strong looking at the camera, then talking to an interviewer off-camera.

Transcript

Sarah: "Going through the process was really hard and that's when I realised I also needed other people. I was very selective and I made sure to start the conversation with: 'Just for now don't talk, don't judge me, don't come and give me a hug if you see me getting upset. I just need to tell you something. And it's not your fault. And you're not here to fix me, you just have to listen.' It's really important not to immediately try and fix that person or pass judgement and that might be a natural reaction - wanting to help."

Visual

 Sarah stands on the beach with a stone in her hand and looking out over the ocean.

Transcript

 Sarah: " 'Oh it's going to be OK.' It's not going to be OK so don't say that, don't say 'you'll get over this. Oh it was such a long time ago.'

Visual

Sarah talking to an interviewer off-camera.

Transcript

Sarah: "Once you talk about it, it's not a long time ago. It's sitting right next to you and it doesn't matter how long ago it was, you're still traumatised right now. So really important not to give advice, you don't know what advice to give. I don't know what advice to give myself. I said to my mum and my family close to me, treat me normally. I'm still Sarah, I'm just different. I've changed. And that's OK. Whoever I am now, let me be that person, and it's OK."

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Blue background with white text appears on-screen: 'If you need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk.

0800 044 334 | www.safetotalk.nz

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