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Going Public: A Survivor’s Journey from Grief to Action
It took Julie Macfarlane a lifetime to say the words out loud—the words that finally broke the calm and traveled farther than she could have imagined. In this clear-eyed account, she confronts her own silence and deeply rooted trauma to chart a remarkable course from sexual abuse victim to agent of change.
Going Public merges the worlds of personal and professional, activism and scholarship. Drawing upon decades of legal training, Macfarlane decodes the well-worn methods used by church, school, and state to silence survivors, from first reporting to cross-examination to non-disclosure agreements. At the same time, she lays bare the isolation and exhaustion of going public in her own life, as she takes her abuser to court, challenges her colleagues, and weathers a defamation lawsuit.
The result is far more than a memoir. It’s a courageous and essential blueprint for going toe-to-toe with the powers behind institutional abuse and protectionism. Macfarlane’s experiences bring her to the most important realization of her life: that no one but she can make the decision to stand up and speak about what happened to her.
Going Public merges the worlds of personal and professional, activism and scholarship. Drawing upon decades of legal training, Macfarlane decodes the well-worn methods used by church, school, and state to silence survivors, from first reporting to cross-examination to non-disclosure agreements. At the same time, she lays bare the isolation and exhaustion of going public in her own life, as she takes her abuser to court, challenges her colleagues, and weathers a defamation lawsuit.
The result is far more than a memoir. It’s a courageous and essential blueprint for going toe-to-toe with the powers behind institutional abuse and protectionism. Macfarlane’s experiences bring her to the most important realization of her life: that no one but she can make the decision to stand up and speak about what happened to her.
- GenresAudiobook
206 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2020
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64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 7, 2022
CW: Sexual violence
This book was challenging - as many books that discuss sexual violence are - but so so so important. Julie Macfarlane bridges the divide between her personal experiences as a survivor of sexual violence with her legal expertise as a law professor. Sharing her story was courageous and meaningful.
Macfarlane assesses the role of institutions (academic, religious, legal, and law enforcement) and the imbalances of power that prevent sexual violence from being addressed and further stigmatize and traumatize those who come forward. Every situation of sexual violence brought up in this book reminded me of countless others that I have heard - especially the stories of how universities do not protect students from sexual violence or properly address it after the fact. Macfarlane's analysis of how institutions are not supporting survivors of sexual violence was well done, and highlights the need for change. She brings forward tangible ideas for addressing sexual violence in legal systems, in media, in education systems, and in public discourse to strive for a world where instances of sexual violence are no longer minimized or tolerated.
The narration of this book by Dayna Cornwall was clear and well-paced. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook!!
This book was challenging - as many books that discuss sexual violence are - but so so so important. Julie Macfarlane bridges the divide between her personal experiences as a survivor of sexual violence with her legal expertise as a law professor. Sharing her story was courageous and meaningful.
Macfarlane assesses the role of institutions (academic, religious, legal, and law enforcement) and the imbalances of power that prevent sexual violence from being addressed and further stigmatize and traumatize those who come forward. Every situation of sexual violence brought up in this book reminded me of countless others that I have heard - especially the stories of how universities do not protect students from sexual violence or properly address it after the fact. Macfarlane's analysis of how institutions are not supporting survivors of sexual violence was well done, and highlights the need for change. She brings forward tangible ideas for addressing sexual violence in legal systems, in media, in education systems, and in public discourse to strive for a world where instances of sexual violence are no longer minimized or tolerated.
The narration of this book by Dayna Cornwall was clear and well-paced. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook!!
February 11, 2021
Julie Macfarlane writes of her excruciating journey from sexual assault victim, by her Anglican priest, to activist. She chronicles her struggles with imbalances of power and the drive of institutions--churches, universities, police forces-- toward self-preservation at the expense of injured individuals. Julie brings her extensive experience as law professor and mediator to the fore as she analyzes her own experience and that of other victims of sexual assault and harassment. Her courage and determination are beyond admirable.
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April 9, 2022I don't rate non-fiction but hopefully this review will help.
A very interesting dive into the legal perspective behind sexual assault and how social factors collide to make sure victims cannot charge their rapists.
The author says this herself but a major trigger warning for sexual assualt/ domestic abuse. The scenes aren't extremely over-detailed though I would say they are quite graphic.
The introduction to the book could have done with some editing and can be off-putting as it writes in circles as the author already has clearly stated the point however once you are past that the author makes insightful commentary from a legal perspective into sexual assualt cases, an angle I haven't heard much from. So the book was insightful.
I commend the author for going public with her story and using it to uplift others and fight for change.
A very interesting dive into the legal perspective behind sexual assault and how social factors collide to make sure victims cannot charge their rapists.
The author says this herself but a major trigger warning for sexual assualt/ domestic abuse. The scenes aren't extremely over-detailed though I would say they are quite graphic.
The introduction to the book could have done with some editing and can be off-putting as it writes in circles as the author already has clearly stated the point however once you are past that the author makes insightful commentary from a legal perspective into sexual assualt cases, an angle I haven't heard much from. So the book was insightful.
I commend the author for going public with her story and using it to uplift others and fight for change.
May 30, 2022
This is an excellent expose of how sexual assault survivors are unfairly treated in the police and justice systems and how patriarchy contributes to their re-victimization. Julie Macfarlane gives a first hand account of how she was impacted, not only from the assaults/abuse she suffered, but most importantly by the system that so often blames the victim. She also has some excellent recommendations for how to change the system so that women (and male survivors) are treated respectfully as they seek justice for themselves and try to protect others who may be at risk.
All police, lawyers and judges need to read this book!
All police, lawyers and judges need to read this book!
September 13, 2020
We need more stories like this. It takes such courage to stand and say it happened to me when everyone is demanding your silence. An absolutely must read. Can't say much because I don't want to spoil anything. I want you to experience this magnificent story on your own . Happy reading! #GoingPublic #NetGalley
December 30, 2025
Lots of references to the widespread issue of institutional abuse and negligence in cases of sexual assault. Uses famous cases as examples to explore how survivors are routinely silenced. Also a strong memoir detailing her own personal experience. A powerful read for those looking to learn more.
December 9, 2020
Please read this book. It’s challenging, in the very best ways: moving, powerful, and educational.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews