Outcry Witness:
A Former Prosecutor's Guide to Healing and Justice After Sexual Violence
by: JoDee Neil
JoDee Neil bravely steps out of her professional role to share her personal journey as a survivor of sexual assault. Through a powerful blend of raw honesty and professional insight, the author reveals how the act of disclosure itself can become a transformative tool for healing—not only for survivors but for the justice system and society at large.
This memoir-meets-manifesto delves deep into the complex relationship between sexual abuse and its far-reaching consequences, including self-destructive behaviors, substance dependence, and the perpetuation of silence that allows harm to continue.
The author’s dual perspective as both a legal professional and survivor provides an unprecedented look into the challenges of navigating the justice system, even for those intimately familiar with its workings.
Through a series of intimate narratives and professional observations, Outcry Witness serves as a vital preventive tool for young people, translating urban myths into practical guidance and addressing the devastating “domino effect” of trauma. It offers strategies to either prevent the initial traumatic event or interrupt its cascade through early intervention and support, potentially saving countless individuals from experiencing similar pain.
Outcry Witness is not just a self-help guide; it’s a call to action, a source of empowerment, and a beacon of hope for anyone touched by the far-reaching effects of sexual assault. It promises to be an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand, heal from, or prevent the cycle of trauma in our society.
In this revelatory exploration of trauma, healing, and declaration of power, a courtroom lawyer whose career is focused on helping others now shares her own journey as a survivor of sexual assault. Through raw honesty and professional lessons learned, JoDee reveals how the act of disclosure itself becomes a profound tool of healing and transformation—not just for survivors, but for the justice system and society at large.
Drawing from decades of legal experience and personal healing, this memoir-meets-manifesto illuminates the far-reaching consequences of sexual abuse: self-destruction, substance dependence, and the cycle of silence that perpetuates harm. The author brings a unique dual perspective as a fighter for people in need and as a survivor, detailing what even those most familiar with the justice system must overcome when dealing with sexual assault—for themselves and for those in need.
Most critically, this book provides perspective and tools of prevention for young people, translating urban myth into practical guidance for the next generation — by helping prevent the devastating "domino effect" of trauma with strategies for early intervention and support.
As a new resource for survivors of sexual assault, this book bridges gaps between professional expertise and personal experience, offering an unprecedented look at how disclosure—on one's own terms—can become the most powerful act of self-reclamation. It speaks directly to survivors, parents, professionals, and anyone committed to understanding and breaking the cycle of trauma, while offering hope and concrete pathways toward healing.
Reviews
"Outcry Witness is both a personal revelation and a rallying call to survivors of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Blending her own harrowing journey of disclosure and two decades of legal experience, JoDee Neil shines a light on the hidden wounds that silently shape our lives. With compassion and hard-won wisdom, she guides readers through the process of facing buried pain, breaking the silence, and reclaiming their sense of self. This powerful book offers not only hope and healing for individuals, but also a blueprint for change.”
—Judge Michael H. Schneider, Jr. (Ret.)
"Outcry is informative and inspirational. It informs on the options available to survivors and inspires me to write about my own experiences. Outcry is a call for all of us to tap into our inner mama bear and hold people accountable for the betterment of future generations." —— Valor McKinney, J.D
“JoDee is a tireless, tenacious, and terrific advocate for the sexually abused . Everyone can learn from the lessons she teaches in this must-read masterwork.”
—Rogge Dunn, D Magazine Best Lawyer Hall of Fame, Top 100 Texas by Texas Monthly, and five-time selection to DCEO's Dallas 500
“Neil has done the world such a service by writing this. So many survivors are ‘queens of avoidance’ because that so nicely fits into what society demands. Outcry Witness makes the case for pulling off the Band-Aid, seeing what's underneath and truly healing—finally. What a brave and needed book.”
—Susan Jones Knape, president, A Case for Women
- ISBN (Paper): 978-1-965766-19-4
- ISBN (Ebook): 978-1-965766-36-1
- Trim size: $21.95
- Category: Historical Women's Fiction
- Pages: 212
- Trim size: 6 x 9
- Publication date: April 7, 2026
CHOOSE YOUR DESIRED PURCHASE PORTAL BELOW: