111: Ending Rape Culture ft. Adele Smith

If someone called you saying that their house was robbed, what’s the first thing you would say? Probably you should have locked your doors, right? Or maybe, Are you sure? Maybe you didn’t understand what the robber was doing . Possibly That can’t be true. I know your neighborhood. Only nice people who would never steal live there.

Proooooobs not. I’m guessing it would be something more like, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Today’s guest, Adele Smith, is a survivor of sexual violence. After her assault took place, her name was smeared (to say the least—there are literal blogs devoted to accusing her of lying) and she didn’t believe her college did enough to protect her from her rapist. That’s why she founded Dinah’s Voice, an organization dedicated to ending rape culture on Christian college campuses. Adele is here to talk with us about what rape culture is, why we shouldn’t be surprised that sexual violence takes place on Catholic campuses, and how we can embrace Christian values without letting them be twisted into victim-shaming. I was honored to speak with Adele and I hope her story inspires you.

When we approach situations with a sense of love and a desire for truth, I believe we will find it. This isn’t about #BelievingAllWomen or #MeToo’ing our way into a protest. It’s about using our anger as fuel for justice and seeking the truth, every single time.

Today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y’all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.