In 1996, Thordis Elva shared a teenage romance with Tom Stranger, an exchange student from Australia. After a school dance, Tom raped Thordis, after which they parted ways for many years. In this extraordinary talk, Elva and Stranger move through a years-long chronology of shame and silence, and invite us to discuss the omnipresent global issue of sexual violence in a new, honest way. For a Q&A with the speakers, visit go.ted.com/thordisandtom.

Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger: Our story of rape and reconciliation

Our story of rape and reconciliation

Embracing the paradox of ownership transforms guilt into accountability, revealing that one's actions don't define their entirety.

A courageous dialogue between a survivor and perpetrator unveils the healing power of honesty in confronting sexual violence.

Exploring rape's deep scars and the power of forgiveness, a survivor and perpetrator confront their past to foster global dialogue.

*South of Forgiveness*

Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia

Women's Shelter Reykjavík

A Q&A with Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger

collaboration

social change

communication

activism

personal growth

women

humanity

society

identity

sexual violence

TED Stage Talk