The Night Kara Was Left for Dead

Listen to this episode from Soberly Speaking on Spotify. Kara’s earliest memory is of her father’s addiction and the police at their home, trying to restore order. As she grew older, she found herself caught in a similar cycle; Xanax consuming her life, self-harm becoming routine, and her mother quietly preparing for her funeral. But everything changed the night she was sexually assaulted on a beach and woke up in a random hotel room, where a kind stranger was bathing her.In that moment, Kara realised she didn’t want to die. She wanted to live—desperately.Follow Kara on InstagramReady to share your story? Email [email protected] WARNING: This episode discusses sexual assault, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. Please listen with care. The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.