You can hear the second half of Mia's conversation with Dassi here. 

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In this searing episode of No Filter, Dassi Erlich talks to Mia Freedman about growing up in an extreme ultra-Orthodox religious community in Melbourne and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her school principal, Malka Leifer.

Dassi shares the story of how she fought back against both Leifer and the community that failed to protect her - a battle that took far too long. It is a story of deep betrayal and abuse, but also a story of strength, hope, and the incredible will of the human spirit.

You can find Dassi’s book, In Bad Faith, here.

If this conversation brought up hard feelings and you need some help, please call Lifeline here.

And if you recognise yourself or someone you love in Dassi’s story - SECASA can help you connect to the police and to the support you need.

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CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.