About Me
I grew up in Northern Virginia. I spent most of my life there, until I was about seventeen years old, when I moved just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to live with my relatives. I am now currently attending Drexel University and studying to obtain a Bachelors in Behavioral Health Counseling. I hope one day to be able to work with victims of sexual abuse/assault.
From the time I was about five years old until I was fifteen I was sexually abused by my father. I reported him my freshman year of high school and our court battles came to an end May of 2011, that's a story in itself! My journey to healing began from the first time I met another victim. My best friend in high school broke down in tears at lunch and told me of her story of how her step father abused her. She was the first one I had ever heard of who went through something similar to me, and subsequently she was the first I ever told about the abuse I had endured, and would be the one to accompany me to the counselor's office the morning I reported and five years later in the courtroom.
My story is unfortunately not unfamiliar to many. Since reporting I have met a vast number of other survivors ranging in age and abusers. Many were abused by family members, a fact not many realize is that most sexual assaults are committed by family members.
Some facts I put out there to help people understand why it is so important to advocate and educate on sexual abuse:
As a survivor I have made it my goal to make a difference in as many lives as I can. My story was painful and horrific but now it is no longer just my own. My story is told for those that have not yet found their voice, for those that still feel alone, and for those that could make a difference in the lives of another survivor. My story is my weapon and strength in spreading awareness, offering support, and in the battle to end abuse.
From the time I was about five years old until I was fifteen I was sexually abused by my father. I reported him my freshman year of high school and our court battles came to an end May of 2011, that's a story in itself! My journey to healing began from the first time I met another victim. My best friend in high school broke down in tears at lunch and told me of her story of how her step father abused her. She was the first one I had ever heard of who went through something similar to me, and subsequently she was the first I ever told about the abuse I had endured, and would be the one to accompany me to the counselor's office the morning I reported and five years later in the courtroom.
My story is unfortunately not unfamiliar to many. Since reporting I have met a vast number of other survivors ranging in age and abusers. Many were abused by family members, a fact not many realize is that most sexual assaults are committed by family members.
Some facts I put out there to help people understand why it is so important to advocate and educate on sexual abuse:
- 1 in 3 American women will be sexually abused during their lifetime. (George Mason University, Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics, 2005)
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18. (Finkelhor et al., 1990)
- In 2002, 54% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to the police (www.ncvc.org)
- Every 2 minutes someone somewhere in America is sexually violated (www.rainn.org)
As a survivor I have made it my goal to make a difference in as many lives as I can. My story was painful and horrific but now it is no longer just my own. My story is told for those that have not yet found their voice, for those that still feel alone, and for those that could make a difference in the lives of another survivor. My story is my weapon and strength in spreading awareness, offering support, and in the battle to end abuse.
