Surviving Military Sexual Assault: Kim Langling's Journey to Healing

Aging with Purpose and Passion

What happens when trauma gets buried for fifteen years? Kim Langling's powerful journey from military sexual assault survivor to advocate and author shows us both the cost of silence and the liberation that comes with breaking it.
Kim never planned to join the military when she was growing up in small-town America, but with limited options and no interest in college, she enlisted and quickly found herself thriving in military intelligence. Her life changed forever when she was sexually assaulted during her service. The aftermath brought not just personal trauma, but institutional betrayal as she faced what she describes as punishment for reporting her assault.
The next fifteen years saw Kim burying her experience, determined to be "strong" by never showing what she perceived as weakness. It wasn't until a perfect storm of personal losses—divorce, death, and a friend's suicide—brought her literally to her knees in what she now recognizes as a severe panic attack. This breakdown became her breakthrough, beginning a spiritual awakening that ultimately led to healing.
With the reluctant help of Vietnam veterans who recognized her symptoms and "dragged her kicking and screaming" to the VA, Kim began confronting her past. Though the VA had no programs for female veterans who'd experienced sexual assault at that time, this first step eventually led to writing books, hosting her "Let Fear Bounce" podcast, and becoming an advocate for others.
The most powerful moment in Kim's story comes when she describes an 81-year-old woman who approached her after a talk, revealing she had carried similar trauma silently for 70 years. This heartbreaking revelation underscores why Kim now shares her story: "When you share, you find peace and help others do the same."
Are you carrying unspoken burdens? Kim's advice resonates with beautiful simplicity: "Look in the mirror and remind yourself that you're standing there. That means you have a 100% success rate of getting through the tough stuff."

For similar episodes on trauma and abuse, check out episodes 104 and 114 of Aging with Purpose and Passion. And Catherine Marienau and Gail Zelitzky co-host their weekly podcast, Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined, where vital women ages 70-110 change the narrative about aging . Listen here: www.womenover70.com

Resources:

Kim Lengling:

[email protected]

Website: www.kimlenglingauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/letfearbouncepodcast

https://www.instagram.com/lenglingauthor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling/

https://www.youtube.com/@LetFearBounce

Beverley Glazer MA. ICCAC:

https://reinventimpossible.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazer

FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Kim Langling's Story (00:00:00)

2. Small Town Life to Military Service (00:02:15)

3. Military Sexual Assault and Aftermath (00:05:55)

4. Burying Trauma for 15 Years (00:10:25)

5. Spiritual Awakening and Healing (00:16:10)

6. Writing, Sharing and Helping Others (00:21:00)

7. 100% Success Rate at Surviving (00:25:25)