Tallahassee, Florida – Kathy Kleiner Rubin, a survivor of the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, shares valuable advice on how to support trauma victims based on her own harrowing experience. In a candid account, Rubin recounts the attack that took place when she was a 20-year-old sorority sister at the Chi Omega house in Florida State University.
On the dreadful night of January 15, 1978, Bundy entered Rubin’s dorm room and brutally attacked her and her roommate, Karen Chandler, with a club. While both Rubin and her roommate survived, two of their sorority sisters, Lisa Levy and Margaret Bowman, tragically lost their lives in the same attack.
Rubin, now 65 years old, has shared the difficult questions that should be avoided when engaging with attack survivors, offering insight into the healing process. She emphasizes the importance of allowing survivors to heal at their own pace and dispels the notion that they should simply “get over it.”
The trauma survivor opens up about the physical and emotional aftermath of the attack, shedding light on the challenges she faced during her recovery. After enduring months of physical rehabilitation, including multiple jaw surgeries, Rubin faced the struggle of not only healing from her injuries but also processing the emotional trauma.
Reflecting on her experience, Rubin conveys the harmful impact of insensitive questions such as, “Aren’t you over it yet?” She underscores the need for empathy and understanding in supporting individuals as they navigate the long and often arduous journey toward healing.
In addition to sharing her personal story, Rubin offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to support trauma survivors. By sharing her experiences and advice, she hopes to raise awareness about the complex and ongoing process of healing from traumatic experiences.