LET’S GROW

Trigger Warning: there will be talk about sexual assault (SA) in this week’s newsletter

Last week, I sat down with a group of educators from a group called Blue Bench, that advocates for people who have experienced SA and educates the community. I came in to tell my story to broaden perceptions of what a survivor can look like and highlight the gaps in support for survivors like me.

 I am willing to tell my story here, with one request. If you know someone in your life who might feel supported or less alone in their story by hearing mine, share it with them.

I was invited to a sorority barn dance in college by a girl I was acquaintances with. I went to school in the middle of a corn field, so a barn dance is exactly what it sounds like – a bunch of college students cosplaying as farmers. The girl I went with snuck in alcohol in little bags and was always around to give me a sip. After a while, I blacked out, and I am not sure how I got back.

When I woke up, she was on top of me. I was confused how this was happening. I couldn’t move, but I was able to get out the words, “Please stop,” to which she replied. “It’s fine.” I felt like my body had betrayed me.