#54 — Ashley Spence — “Silent Witness: How DNA Uncovered My Truth and Empowered My Healing”

On this compelling episode of Coursen’s Corner, host Spencer Coursen is joined by special guest Ashley Spence, a motivational speaker, victim advocate, and founder of the DNA Justice Project. This non-profit organization is dedicated to raising public awareness and influencing policymakers on the transformative role of forensic DNA in the criminal justice system. Ashley shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey, detailed in her debut book, Silent Witness: How DNA Uncovered the Truth and Empowered My Healing. At just 19 years old, Ashley survived a life-altering assault and faced years of fear while her attacker remained at large. Thanks to advancements in forensic DNA, justice was served, and her attacker received a 138-year prison sentence. Through her book, Ashley provides hope and healing for survivors while shedding light on the critical role of DNA in achieving justice, influencing policy, and preventing future tragedies. Her story is a powerful testament to human resilience and the profound impact of science in creating a safer world. Tune in as we discuss reclaiming power after trauma, the healing journey through yoga and emotional writing, the importance of tracking rape kits, and how sharing your story can ignite change and inspire others.                         ----------------------------------------------------- Did you enjoy this episode? Please like, share, comment, and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode. Please Leave Us a Review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: APPLE –   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coursens-corner/id1522159044  SPOTIFY –  https://open.spotify.com/show/0SOWfjv0Wbqm4Qf125UEOL  ----------------------------------------------------- Follow Ashley Spence 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleyespence/  📕 Silent Witness (Book) - https://www.ashleyespence.com/book 🌎 DNA Justice Project - https://www.DNAJusticeProject.org   ----------------------------------------------------- Follow Spencer Coursen  📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/   📺 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SpencerCoursen  🐦 Twitter/X - https://x.com/spencercoursen   🧐 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@s.coursen   🌎 Website - https://www.SpencerCoursen.com       📕 Book - https://www.TheSafetyTrap.com 🥷 Brand - https://www.Ronin6.com 🇺🇸 Business -  https://www.CoursenSecurityGroup.com  🖇️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencercoursen  📧 Email - [email protected]  -----------------------------------------------------   Show Notes Peter Walker, "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma:  https://a.co/d/dRsxlUg  Malcolm Gladwell, Revisionist History: “Free Brian Williams” https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/free-brian-williams  RAINN – The Nations Largest Anti-Sexual Violence Organization:  https://rainn.org/  USA Facts: “How many rape kits are awaiting testing in the US? See the data by state.” https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-rape-kits-are-awaiting-testing-in-the-us-see-the-data-by-state/  Joyful Heart Foundation: https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/  -----------------------------------------------------   Acknowledgments and Credits Special Thanks To Staccato Ranch:  https://staccatoranch.com/   SunLife Organics: https://sunlifeorganics.com/   Recording Studio Record ATX:  https://www.recordatx.com/    Theme Music "Underground Moments" by Cushy https://www.epidemicsound.com/artists/cushy/      Audio and Video Production Ronin6 Media Guest Submissions and Mailbag [email protected]