This is part one of a series focused on women’s issues. One in five women in the United States report experiencing sexual assault in their lifetime. One in three women experience some form of sexual violence. Many cases go unreported, with only about one in three assaults ever reaching law enforcement. Experts consistently say actual numbers are significantly higher due to underreporting. These traumas cannot be addressed if communities remain silent about them.

For episode one of this series, Dr. Matthew Leavenworth sits down with Lea Bossler. Leah is a wildland firefighter, white water rafter, political activist, big game hunter, and all-around bad ass. She is also a survivor of multiple sexual assaults across her life, including a near abduction while passing through Billings.

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence, trauma, and loss. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or dial 211 to connect with local resources. You can also reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

Lea, thank you for trusting us with your story. What you went through was “fucked up,” and it is time more people stood up and stumbled through talking about it.