Owning Your Power Through Challenges   About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse and we are almost certain that the number is far higher since many victims don’t ever come forward. Unfortunately, someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members, perpetrates 91% of child sexual abuse. How do victims of child sexual abuse move forward to lead full, healthy lives? Is that even possible? According to Alreen Haeggquist, lawyer and author of “Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma”, with a great deal of work, healing and deep empathy, it is absolutely feasible. While it’s common to focus on the heinous acts, many people neglect to acknowledge the lifelong effects these acts may have on the victims. Alreen founded her firm, Haeggquist & ECK LLP, in San Diego in 2008, to help women find their voice and stand up for themselves while providing tools to aid them on their journey to wholeness. Tap in to this episode to hear Alreen’s heart-wrenching story and her path to triumph.   Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dasZ4WbVlQ4    SPONSORED BY: Dating Well AF Course, visit to learn more: http://datingwellaf.com   Quote of the Week  “The ability to say no to yourself is a gift. If you can resist your urges, change your habits, and say yes to only what you deem truly meaningful, you’ll be practicing healthy self-boundaries. It’s your responsibility to care for yourself without excuses.” ― Nedra Glover Tawwab   Dating Well AF Tip “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” - Maya Angelou   KEY POINTS & QUOTES: Trust your gut! Teach children about “stranger danger” but also teach them about “tricky people”.  The incorrect response of the adult can greatly negatively impact the child by retraumatizing them. We are conditioned to be silent about our pain and trauma. Once you have been abused, you are more likely to be abused again by multiple people. Studies have shown that there may be a link between child sexual abuse and  illnesses like autoimmune diseases and fibroids. While an apology might be nice, empathy and working on your own healing, is the key to forgiving yourself and your abuser.   CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS: Alreen Haeggquist Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/alreen-haeggquist/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/alreen/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/alreenh/ Website: https://www.alreen.com/ Book: https://www.alreen.com/book/ (Fired Up: Fueling Trauma From Triumph) CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS: Alechia Reese For coaching, visit: http://gotvaluenation.com Instagram | http://instagram.com/in/alechiareese LinkedIn | linkedin.com/alechiareese Dani Bourdeau For coaching, visit: http://danifostercoaching.com Instagram | http://instagram.com/thedanibourdeau   RESOURCES: For more info, visit: http://triggeredafpodcast.com     Like what you're hearing? Follow Triggered AF and share the love! IG: instagram.com/triggeredafpc Twitter: twitter.com/triggeredafpc FB: facebook.com/triggeredafpc YouTube: youtube.com/channel/@triggeredafpodcast