Unbroken - speaking the unspeakable | Madeleine Black | TEDxGlasgow

NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of sexual assault and suicide. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
TEDxGlasgow 2019 Principal Partner #SCOTLANDISNOW'
“I remember wishing they would kill me to make it all end.”
It takes courage to speak the unspeakable. But for many years, Madeleine Black felt too afraid and too ashamed to utter a word of what happened to her.
Violently attacked at the age of thirteen, her story is one of pain - but also of recovery, strength, and forgiveness.
Through her words, Madeleine hopes to help others find the courage to speak up, whatever their story. And to show us that it’s not the traumatic events in our life that define us, but by how we choose to reclaim our lives after them. How we become unbroken.
Madeleine uses her personal and moving story of forgiveness to help end the shame, stigma and silence surrounding sexual violence, enabling others to find their voice, whatever their story.
In March 2018 she won the Amazing Strength award at the No. 1 Magazine Amazing Women Awards and in October of the same year was asked to be the Patron for Say Women, a Scottish organisation which offers safe accommodation and support to young women who are survivors of sexual abuse/rape and who are homeless. She continues to work as a psychotherapist in Glasgow and her memoir, Unbroken, was published on April 4th 2017. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@tahirwmalik-work6657]

I have known Madeleine for many years and she has never failed to amaze me!
This talk makes her all the more dear & near to me
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Be blessed, be happy, be safe all

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you so much Tahir

[@eduardoxlive470]

Thank you so much, Madeleine, you give me hope, and I can heal.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Eduardo, you can definitely heal

[@jordangross5396]

"What we do not speak about, leaks out of us" - this is why we must share our stories. Thank you so much

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Absolutely Jordan!

[@stephencharity9363]

It is my immense privilege to share with Madeleine on Twitter. My respect for her continues to grow.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Stephen

[@karenparkes5977]

Brave, inspirational.....and very important. Thanks Madeleine....

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Karen xx

[@gabrielsworldofentertainment]

Thank you, You are a blessing to the world...

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Aw thank you

[@HelenQuail]

I'm proud to know Madeleine, to witness directly what a wonderful, genuine and loving being she is. She shared her story with me almost nine years ago and I was so moved by her courage and how deeply she has engaged in her healing journey of forgiveness. Now that she is sharing her story widely she is helping countless people. Madeleine this is wonderful. I am moved to tears.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Helen x

[@superaffiliatesgoldexchang6327]

Thanks for sharing this talk Madeleine. Awesome to extend your bravery for the benefit of not only yourself but to possibly help others find ther voice

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

I speak for all those all can't find their voice yet, thank you

[@TheFusionista]

You’re a shining light for so many Madeleine. Finding your voice and sharing your story will only help others and you’re so good at it. I’m in awe.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Debbie

[@lizmartin3534]

Madeleine, that was courageous and inspiring - thank you for sharing... Realising it's 'not our shame' is incredibly freeing

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Liz

[@sabpermuth]

Simply courageous. Thank you.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you

[@aniteiandrada3349]

Madeleine, your story of incredible inner work, power of choice and forgiveness is one I will never forget.
I am blessed to have interviewed you and know you for the wondeful woman that you are!
I hope your public talks will bring healing all over the world. And I also hope I get a chance to meet you in person, one day!
Much love to you ♥ and THANK YOU 🙏🏻 for sharing this bit of your life with the entire world!
🖋️ 💙

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Aw thank you! x

[@bespokenOxford]

Wow, Madeleine. You have such a powerful message. Thank you for your courage, vulnerability and generosity in sharing it,

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you so much! x

[@LiveitLoveitSellit]

Thank you for such an amazing talk Madeleine - your courage is sure to have helped many others xx

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Jules x

[@upalparna]

I am blessed to have known Madeleine and respect her for her strength and upfront self. Her strength is so so empowering. I wish her well, more inspiration and motivation. I hope someday I can speak up like her.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Blessed to know you too

[@dawnfanshawe9506]

Thank you for telling your story so wonderfully, Madeleine. I relate too well to all you have said. Well done. Brilliant to hear you.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you and sorry to hear you can relate to it too x

[@vaishalipatel8903]

A powerful and courageous woman. I loved what you said about, the way in, is the way out.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Vaishali

[@andrea2909h]

Well told Madeleine - your thinking points at the end may help others.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

I hope so

[@lovingleanne3631]

You are so amazing Madeleine! Grateful we connected on LinkedIn today. You have inspired me at so many levels. Letting go of trauma, self-love and moving forward powerfully.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Grateful to be connected too!

[@mhairisteenbock4450]

so moved by your courage and grace. Thank you for your bravery.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you xx

[@munshimasudhossain1987]

Thanks You.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thanks

[@JulieCreffield]

What an incredible talk Madeline. Thank you for speaking out and helping us all make sense of the things we are too afraid to speak of.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Julie, it was someone else speaking out that helped me to find my voice and I intend to pay that forward!

[@Havening]

Well done Madeleine. A very honest powerful personal journey of hope for anyone who has not just survived a horrendous experience but can learn to thrive. Anyone struggling to come to terms with their past may find this talk helpful and inspiring.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thanks Mark

[@shiritbenisrael]

thank you for being courageous and inspiring

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you

[@TonyJetonSelimi]

Keep shininng

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Tony

[@FlyingInspiration]

I so admire your courage and clarity Madeleine, thanks for sharing your journey with the world, may the world learn from it a thousand times! May the Goddess bless you a thousand times too!

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Gabriella

[@sitapkseverson861]

Brilliant and beautiful. Thank you for this!

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you

[@PamBurrows]

Madeleine, you are an amazing human, a powerful woman and a talented teacher. You have made a perfect balance of making a harrowing story and an important message come to life and into the light. Thank you for this. Thank you for your bravery, strength and peace. And thankyou for every person you will positively influence xx

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you xx

[@DebjaniBiswas]

Particularly liked the question at the end- and the insights of how we should let go. A powerful and courageous talk.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you

[@edcarmody8142]

Such an amazing story of resilience. There are so many people that need to hear this story. Thank you for sharing Madeleine.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Ed

[@lisamcadams456]

Great talk Madeleine 'what we don't deal with leaks out' Such an important message. Living with the truth of our experience, dealing with it and letting it go is how we (well it certainly true of me) move forward. Congratulations on sharing your harrowing story in an engaging way and how you talked about how you forgave in a way anybody could understand.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Lisa

[@chelliemish]

You are such a wonderful speaker, Madeleine with a message that will help many. Thank you for your grace, your kindness and your courage. x

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Aw thanks Michelle x

[@KristaMollion]

Madeleine: Your daughters must be very proud of you! What an inspiring and heartbreaking talk. Thank you for surviving through that and deciding to turn tragedy into courage.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Krista

[@TallMikey]

Wow!! Amazing, powerful, courageous. Well done Madeleine, you really put it on the line and shone through. Bless you.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Michael

[@mb2of8]

Very Powerful Madeleine. Thank you for your messages & strengths. 🌹

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Many thanks

[@KristinSherry]

Powerful story. Thank you for sharing this. The best revenge is living well. The best path to peace is forgiveness.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Agree Kristin

[@YesAndJW]

Fantastic talk, Madeleine! You set the example of how to be vulnerable and empowered. Thank you.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Jennifer

[@jshal2012]

Powerful Story, Courageous telling!! Thank You Madeline 🙏💖

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Many thanks

[@ma.janiceduetes2952]

Hi Madeleine, glad to be connected with you in Linkedln. Thanks for sharing your story and this is very inspiring!

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Likewise and thank you

[@leonbamforth438]

Well done for your harrowing but incredibly inspiring talk Madeleine. You did an amazing job and I'm sure your message will help lots of people!

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thanks Leon

[@cynthiabarry2208]

Thank you, so much. I love how you speak of everyone Was born light✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨👼🏼 you have had an amazing healing journey, love your book.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Cynthia x

[@markwilliamsreachingoutpmh]

Madeleine, what an inspirational Ted Talk and incredible person you are who by sharing your story is helping so many people along the way!!! Powerful talk and brilliant - Wishing you the best, Mark

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you Mark

[@minnievon6283]

a great talk and a great bravery to speak up and to forgive

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you

[@lindadickinson782]

Respect to you
xxxxx

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you xx

[@annalarke]

Love you. I think you are absolutely amazing xxx

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Love you too Anna xx

[@elianagreen8225]

Love you Mads xxx

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Love you too xx

[@sohailahmedkhan8982]

Madeleine the best

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thank you

[@chriskane8549]

🙏🙏

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thanks

[@bonningtonray]

How to Walk this Talk ? I try again tomorrow when the Sun comes up.....many thanks.

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thanks Ray xx

[@_PaVanT_]

🙏👍

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Thanks

[@FunkyThinkers]

I am honoured that you are a FUNKY THINKER...

[@MadeleineBlackUnbroken]

Honoured to be a guest on your show!

[@linalina8147]

The stupidest thing 🤔 I have ever heard is that ‘what happened to us in life is not important’.... but what we do wit it ... of something of the sort ....

[@linalina8147]

The stupidest thing I have ever heard is that ‘ is nog important what happened to us in life’ ....

[@lyngarland2728]

Your posts on Facebook are being used to bully me from the police and arm forces in Liverpool
Lynda Sherlock 😢😢