Please note: In this episode, Harrison James shares his personal account of childhood sexual abuse. The allegations discussed have not been tested in court, and no findings have been made against the individuals referred to. This conversation reflects Harrison's lived experience and perspective.

What happens when a child doesn't realise they're being groomed?

For years, Harrison James believed he was in a relationship. It wasn't until he was 19 that he began to understand what had happened to him as childhood sexual abuse.

In this extraordinary conversation, Harrison shares the story he's carried for years. He reflects on growing up in a violent home before moving in with his father as a teenager, where he was groomed and sexually abused by his stepmother. With remarkable honesty, he explains why he believed he was in love, the shame and confusion that kept him silent, and the psychological reality of grooming that so many people misunderstand.

Harrison also speaks about becoming a father while he was still a child himself, the devastating moment everything unravelled, what it meant to finally be believed by his mother, and how he's transformed his experiences into advocacy for survivors across Australia.

This is a powerful conversation about trauma, masculinity, resilience and recovery, and why understanding how grooming really works could help protect the next generation.

Harrison's book, Transform Your Pain into Purpose, is available now.

Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of child abuse

If you or anyone you know needs expert help, please contact Bravehearts — an organisation providing support to victims of child abuse. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can get advice from the Child Abuse Protection Hotline (1800 688 009) or the 24-Hour Child Abuse Report Line (131 478).

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What To Listen To Next:

• Listen: Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever
• Listen: Esther Perel: When You Choose Your Partner and Lose Your Family
• Listen: Georgie Tunny & Rob Mills: The Marriage And Baby Conversation Everyone Keeps Asking About
• Listen: The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34
• Listen: Jeni Haynes Created 2681 Personalities To Survive Her Abusive Father
• Listen: Kate Ceberano Has Spent 40 Years Trying To Figure Herself Out

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CREDITS:

Guest: Harrison James

Host: Kate Langbroek

Executive Producer: Bree Player

Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.