Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Sharing My Story

The article on the following page contains mentions of sexual assault and sexual harassment. If you are senstive to the mentioned topic(s), please proceed with caution.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, violence, harassment, or would like to seek further assistance or information, please use one of the following resources listed below.

On Campus and Local Resources

Title IX Coordinator & Office

386-226-6677 meyerspa@erau.edu dbtitle9@erau.edu

Emergency Response Team

386-226-7233

Campus Safety & Security

386-226-6480

Campus Saftey & Security (emergency)

386-226-7233 (SAFE)

Health Services

386-226-7917

Counseling Center

386-226-6035

Dean of Students

386-226-6326

Daytona Beach Police (non-emergency)

386-671-5100

Halifax Medical Center Emergency Department

386-254-4100

Volusia Rape Crisis Center (386) 236-3123

Volusia Rape Crisis Center 24/7 Helpline

800-503-7621

National Resources

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-4673

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

800-656-4673

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) https://www.nsvrc.org/

1in6 https://1in6.org/

National Center for Victims of Crime https://victimsofcrime.org/

Office for Center of Crime https://ovc.ojp.gov/

SafeHorizon

1-800-621-4673 https://www.safehorizon.org/

Pandora’s Project https://pandys.org/

Crisis Text Line

HOME to 741741 https://www.crisistextline.org/

On September 10th, 2022, I was sexually assaulted by a student from the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach Campus. This day was the most devastating and horrific day of my life. At that moment, my body turned to stone, my heart fell to my feet, and my sense of self-worth was diminished. In honor of Sexual Assult Awareness Month [April], I am coming forward to share my story, and to advocate for change.

The fact is that sexual assault is real, and it happens more often than we presume. Commonly, eight out of ten students experience sexual harassment in school, that is 81% of students like me experience the real effects of sexual assault. Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Every year, 83% of girls, and 78% of boys, are sexually harassed. Inside of campus, and outside of campus, we have the capability to stand up and be the voice for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or harassment.

After being sexually assaulted I remember thinking to myself “Who am I going to tell?”, and moreover, “What am I going to do?” At that moment, I was in immense shock and fear that it was emotionally hard to act instantly because I thought that nothing like this could ever happen to me.

With the help of my friends, I was finally able to come forward to Title IX and share what had happened. It is hard for someone who has been assaulted or harassed to come forward by themselves. We are a community, and if you know someone who has experienced sexual assault, my advice is to comfort them and be empathetic. For their sake, be calm and understanding. Furthermore, help them take the right steps to make sure they receive the help they need. I went to Campus Safety, Title IX, our Counseling Center, and the Center for Faith and Spirituality.

To the victims and survivors, I want to tell you that you are strong. Living with the fact that you experienced sexual assault is not easy at all. With being strong, it is completely okay to have moments of weakness. There were many times when I cried my feelings out, but even tears can be a sign of strength. It is a brutal reality. It takes time to heal and that is okay. I also want to tell you that you are worthy, you are worthy of finding the light at the end of the tunnel, and you are worthy of receiving the justice and peace you deserve. There are so many avenues of support here at Embry-Riddle, and outside of campus. Your feelings are valid, and together we will overcome this. To the bystanders, be there for someone who has experienced sexual assault, and be their source of comfort and care. Help speak up against sexual assault, and be aware of the devastating normalcy of this manner.

Campus Safety is a reliable source to ensure that your safety is important; they will help keep your distance from the abuser. Title IX will help you receive the justice and closure you deserve. I was nervous initially to speak to Title IX because I didn’t know what would happen going forward, but they were kind, comforting, reassuring, and understanding of my situation. The Counseling Center is a reliable avenue of release, and emotional guidance. After being assaulted, it was hard for me to navigate my emotions. It was hard for me to maintain my self-confidence; moreover, it was hard for me to feel an ounce of peace. Receiving counseling helped me process emotionally what happened to me, and practice coping mechanisms. Last but certainly not least, the Center for Faith and Spirituality is perfect for meditation and spiritual guidance. In this manner, my faith is what helped me see the light at the end of my tunnel.

The healing process takes time, and to this very day, I am still in the healing process. Some days are easier than others, I have my moments where emotionally it is still hard to face what happened but I know I am not alone. This month, the month of April, I encourage everyone to incorporate teal in their clothes, accessories, or everyday items. Teal symbolizes supporting survivors of sexual violence. Furthermore, the teal ribbon is a symbol of awareness and prevention. Advocate on social media against sexual assault by sharing #SAAM, to get more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month visit nsvcr.org/saam. I am sending love to survivors who aren’t ready to speak up, are mentally struggling, who have never told, are trying their best to heal, who have ever felt or been dismissed, and who are advocating for a change.

This is my story, but I am advocating for millions of others’ stories. There needs to be a change. Page 25