ToPrevail.org
Survivor Stories
Sharing our stories is a means of empowerment.
Thank you for being so brave. I was raped at 16 by a stranger and was too ashamed to report it. It was how I lost my virginity. It wasn't until I volunteered at a Rape Crisis Center 17 years later that I found I hadn't actually "gotten over it." Years of therapy off and on have led me to a place of peace and self forgiveness for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. You are a unique and wonderful soul. Again, thank you for speaking up for those of us who are voiceless. - Donna Harvey Doyle
Thank you for taking the courage to stand up and speak out for sexual abuse survivors such as myself. I am also a survivor and my daughter, who is now 24, was almost a victim, but fortunately she was smart enough to not fall for the threats and intimidation that I had been put through for 8 years. I had talked and educated her about predators, whether it be acquaintances, friends or family members, so I have always been very protective with my kids, but also keeping my experiences a secret from everyone. The statute of limitations was well over for me but he, (my own father) was charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 6. Charges were dropped if he went to therapy and completed the steps involving this charge against him from what my daughter had testified in front of him and his lawyer. She was 4 years old, the same age I was when it started with me. There is more to this story but this is the gist of it. I just wanted to thank you for taking on this for others who have been through this. You are AWESOME!!!!!
(Name withheld by request)
I had the encounter and experience as you did but I was older, 16, and my Mom had left and I fought back so nothing ever happened but the damage was still done. The reality that the one who God made to have an instinct to protect, was trying to make me his lover. I hid and avoided very successfully till I was able to get out for good. The same kind of sickness was in my father so for you to come forward is so healing. God Bless you Girl
(Name withheld by request)
I am looking for a group in my area. I was assaulted when I was 13 by my stepfather. I repressed the memories til this year and I'm in therapy.
(Name withheld by request)
On February 10, 2009, my 12 year old daughter was sexually assaulted. Her assailant was 17 years old. She was told not to tell and was very scared. She finally did reveal the incident to me on June 8, 2009. She was now 13 years old and her assailant was now 18 years old. We did all the legal processes and on August 5, 2009 a rape – first degree by instrumentation court case was filed.
We took a plea agreement for a 5 year deferred sentence to Felony Aggravated Assault and Battery. He spent a total of 14 days in the county jail when he was arrested. My daughter on the other hand spent over a year in counseling, crying and afraid to walk down the block to her Grandmother’s home. He continues to go to work, school, movies and any other activities he likes to enjoy. I understand he would get that anyway eventually even if he would have done time, but it does not seem like the system is made for the victim in this case. Even thought he is on Oklahoma Department of Corrections probation, he does not have to register as a sex offender because of the plea agreement. We took the plea agreement. Why? Because it was better than nothing, which is what we were being handed because of the way the youthful offender act is written.
- Marilou & Amber Robinson
Ginger, thank you for your bravery and grace- I am so mad at what you had to go through-it is not right. I know a lot of victims have commented since you went public and I think we have been waiting for the chance to share and rally, thank you for leading the way.
Very simply my story- 1979 at 17 abducted from my bike in Norman by two men, raped, let go after 4 hours, I remember every detail in slow motion like I’m watching a movie. The police never found them. I spent 10 years not able to sleep at night and 10 years of self-medication and self-destruction. The self-destruction caused my family to consider me a loser and over the next year I lost all of my friends. Like you, I run, a lot (only much slower). I think there is a correlation between ‘obsessive’ running/physical exercise and abuse but I have not been able to figure out the connection. I would be happy to partipate in any research on this subject. At 54 I have turned the corner and actually think I am a happy person, and I am no longer scared.
You are welcome to publish this if you think relevant however please leave off my name. Thank you again for your bravery and take a deep breath, this is just the beginning for you!
(Name withheld by request)