Breaking the Silence: My Journey of Speaking Out Against Sexual Assault

Disclaimer: Warning, this content may contain triggering or sensitive information. Please read at your own discretion. Additionally, all names have been changed to protect individual identities.

It was my junior year of high school when I moved to a new school away from my friends. My former best friend, Harriot, and I heard about a party in another district and decided to attend. Excited to see old friends and make new ones, I borrowed a white dress from my mom’s friend that was way above my budget.

As soon as we got to the party, Harriot disappeared, leaving me alone to search for people I knew. I remember taking two sips of alcohol, and then everything went blank. The next thing I knew, I couldn't walk or talk, and two guys were carrying me toward a car. I said, "I want to go back to my friends," but they didn't listen. I was in and out of reality, and the next thing I knew, I was being raped.

After that, I ran out of the car and back into the house screaming, "He raped me." Harriot and a group of people brought the rapist in to apologize and then pressured us to hug. Still crying hysterically, Harriot then sent me off to stay with random guys so she could spend the night with the owner of the house. The next day, I woke up in a random house with five guys, and they walked me back to meet Harriot. On the walk, they told me they would testify for me in court because they saw what happened that night.

At the time, I didn't understand the gravity of the situation, but I knew something was not right. Later, I realized I had been drugged because I experienced in-and-out reality and memory lapses without having any after-effects. Two sips of alcohol were not enough to cause what happened. This was my first sexual experience and has left a lifelong impact that I am still healing from today.

Healing wasn't easy, but speaking up was necessary. The police's first question was about the color of my underwear, which epitomized how my case was mishandled in the justice system. Despite the guy's apology recorded by the police, it was deemed insufficient evidence. It was disappointing to be let down by the people I trusted to protect society. Healing is not an overnight process, and it took me years to come to terms with what happened. But through therapy, supportive friends, and family, I learned that it was not my fault. I found strength in sharing my story and helping others who had gone through similar experiences. The empowerment came from realizing that I was not alone, and I could use my experience to make a difference in the world. By speaking up and sharing my story, I could help others feel heard and encourage them to come forward. Today, I am a survivor, and I use my voice to advocate for those who cannot speak up.

While this experience was undoubtedly traumatic, it has also given me a newfound sense of strength and resilience. I refuse to be a victim of my circumstances, and instead, I choose to use my story to inspire and empower others. Through therapy and support from loved ones, I have learned to heal from this experience and forgive myself for any perceived mistakes I may have made that night. I have also found solace in advocating for survivors of sexual assault and raising awareness about the importance of consent and bystander intervention.

My hope is that my story can serve as a reminder that no one is ever at fault for being assaulted and that there is always a path to healing and recovery. We must continue to have difficult conversations about consent and sexual assault, and work towards creating a safer and more supportive society for all survivors. I am proud to have turned my pain into purpose, and I will continue to use my voice to make a positive impact in the world.

*Path Matching offers a safe and supportive platform for survivors of sexual assault to share their experiences and connect with each other. By sharing your story, you can empower yourself and support others. Our team analyzes testimonies to identify patterns that can potentially form a strong case for survivors seeking justice. Remember, it's not your fault and does not define who you are. After submitting your testimony, our team will notify survivors of any potential similarities and offer them the opportunity to connect. Join our community of support and advocacy for change.