What Came Next is intended for mature audiences only.

Episodes discuss topics that can be triggering,

such as emotional, physical, and sexual violence, animal abuse, suicide, and murder.

I am not a therapist, nor am I a doctor.

If you're in need of support, please visit Something Was Wrong.com

forward slash resources for a list of non-profit organizations that can help.

Opinions expressed by my guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of myself or broken cycle media.

Resources and source material are linked in the episode notes.

Thank you so much for listening. Alexis is a mother, survivor, and victim advocate from Chicago.

This is the first time that she has ever shared on a public platform

about the abuse she faced when she was a child. Her healing journey was extensive and seemingly

never-ending, as she was often met with disbelief. However, after decades, she was able to see her

abuser finally put behind bars.

Still, her healing and advocacy continue as she works to break cycles in her own family.

Alexis's courage and strength amidst all that came next for her are a true example of the power of resilience.

My name is Alexis. I am 31 years old. My friends would say that I'm outspoken, overprotective, kind.

My wife likes to say sometimes to a fault. Outgoing, pretty daring.

I grew up in Chicago. My biological father and mother were very young when they had my brother

and I. I am a twin. They married, I believe, at 19. They divorced fairly young as well.

During that time that they were married, I remember it being a hostile environment. When they did

split, the arrangements seemed to be back and forth a lot. My dad had us every other weekend.

I have memories of my brother waiting for him a lot. I can say that it wasn't consistent.

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