What if the real danger isn’t just the violence itself, but the silence that follows it? In this powerful talk, Dr. Christal Badour, a clinical psychologist and trauma expert, explores how rape culture shapes the everyday lives of survivors—and what must change for healing to begin. With a call to action rooted in compassion and accountability, this talk challenges the systems that perpetuate harm and offers concrete steps toward a more just, survivor-centered world. Dr. Christal Badour is a clinical psychologist, researcher, educator, and staunch advocate for survivors of violence and other forms of trauma. She co-founded the University of Kentucky Clinic for Emotional Health, which offers free science-backed therapy in line with the value that all people should have access to the highest quality mental health care, regardless of their identity, culture, geographical location, insurance status, or ability to pay. Dr. Badour uses her platform as an Associate Professor to support the next generation of young clinicians, scholars, and activists to develop the tools necessary to challenge systems that perpetuate violence and create barriers to recovery. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx