Julianne Hough Opens Up About Childhood Trauma

Julianne Hough, the 36-year-old dancer and actress, candidly discussed her experiences with childhood sexual abuse during an appearance on "The Jamie Kern Lima Show." Hough revealed that her first encounter with abuse occurred at the age of four, when a neighbor in Utah assaulted her. She expressed the confusion and lack of support she felt at the time, noting that her family was unaware of the situation and that there were no repercussions for the perpetrator. Hough emphasized that she was not alone in her family's experiences with abuse. Hough recounted how she eventually disclosed her trauma to her parents at the age of 15, after having forgotten about the earlier incident. She acknowledged that her parents felt guilt and shame upon learning about her experiences, but she clarified that she did not blame them. The actress highlighted the importance of ongoing conversations about trauma, stating that healing requires repeated discussions to foster understanding and reassurance. The revelations come as Hough promotes her new novel, "Everything We Never Knew," which features a character facing supernatural challenges that echo her own life experiences. Hough dedicated the book to her younger self, emphasizing the importance of self-trust amidst societal pressures to conform. She reflected on the long journey of healing from her past traumas, which included further abuse during her time in London at a dance academy. Hough's openness about her past aims to encourage others to confront their own experiences and foster dialogue around difficult topics, reinforcing the notion that healing is an ongoing process.