The Things I Didn't Say Out Loud…..Until Now!!

” Don’t be ashamed of your story – It will inspire others!”

For a very long time, almost 25 years, I didn’t talk about my assault. I bottled it all up and did nothing to help myself. I figured if I left it alone, it would just go away and soon I would forget all about it. Well, that never happened. My anxiety and stress just got worse. I was too embarrassed and ashamed to talk to anyone……so I didn’t. But now, over two decades later, I am breaking that silence and sharing my story.

Back in 2001 I was a 19-year-old enjoying my summer vacation. I had gone out with friends the night before and we were all going to go out again. My friend had introduced me to her sisters’ boyfriends and their boyfriends’ cousin. It was an amazing night and I had so much fun. They were very polite and acted like gentlemen. The next night was going to be totally different. Their cousin came to pick me up and said we were all going to meet at a local park, about 5 minutes away from my house. While we were waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, he raped me. I felt so scared and humiliated. I didn’t know what to do and I didn’t sleep that entire night. The next day, I got a phone call from this man’s cousins. They threatened me by saying “We know where you live and you better not start spreading rumors about our cousin!!” For the next two decades, I pretty much kept it to myself. I only told a few close friends. I’m no longer keeping it bottled inside. I have started therapy and I’m getting stronger every day. Now, I want to pay it forward and do what I can to help others who are struggling with sexual assault, rape, and abuse.