Lisa

Thank you for saying “thank you!” I think most people would be surprised at just how much those two little words actually mean to a veteran.

I didn’t know my story had made it any farther than this site, but it’s great to know that I helped another Marine somewhere remember the journey enough that the thought it was worth sharing. Thank him for me and tell him I said, “OOHRAH!”

Thanks for your service.

Thanks,
Aditya Goswami.
+91-7893326848

I didnt have the courage to go against them in court. This was 2 years ago…I’m 18 now. I regret it. I wish so much that i was able to be aas strong as your daughter was.

I think its amazing she did that. And i am so glad she got justice.

I hope your daughter is doing well, and is finding healing. For you as well.

My best wishes,
Destiny

I liked your story, maybe because at some point in time in my life I also heard that voice, for real. Did you manage to fill in the void, am just curious to know?

I wonder sometimes if he will ever find me. I wasn’t as lucky as you. After a trial that lasted what seemed like forever, the jury found him not guilty. That day was the day i move thousands of miles away and changed my identity. i thought that this would give me a feeling of security, but knowing that he is still free to hurt other women makes me feel like i have failed. I still believe that it was partly my fault. I shouldn’t have trusted him, maybe if i hadn’t, i wouldn’t have been raped.

Seeing a therapist hasn’t helped much, and sometimes i wish i didn’t tell anyone in the first place. Even so, i get out of bed and go.

I want to trust people again, i want to feel safe in my own home again.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Reading your comment made me happy and sad at the same time. I am glad you have found someone who understands your pain and is willing to stand beside you as you find your way out of the darkness. My daughter recently gave a speech at a Victims’ Rights Dedication Ceremony and she publicly thanked her fiance for “holding her hand and mending her heart.” All survivors of violent crime need someone like that in their life — a caring person who understands their mood swings and is willing the sail the rough waters caused by physical, mental and emotional trauma.

You did not say how old you are now or how long ago the attack took place. As cliche as it sounds, I cam tell you that time is a great healer. The day will come when you can be left alone again. However, along with that “victory” comes the curse of forgetfulness. Time does heal but it also numbs us to what caused our injury in the first place. We are so anxious to put the memories behind us that we often toss out the lesson as well.

My prayer for you is “selective” forgetfulness — that memories of the actual attack come less frequently but that your awareness of danger remains. Remember always that safety is an illusion. We must be ever vigilant.

I hope you will find the strength to talk about your attack with someone. Me, a faceless stranger, if that will help you, or my daughter. She is always willing to bolster another victorious woman. Yes, victorious — not victimized — because you not only survived, you have continued live, love and find purpose in your life. Should you want to talk with Jessica, just email me and I will have her get in touch with you. I am always available as well.

Find someone — not your boyfriend and not a family member — a professional therapist if you can afford one — but, please talk about what happened to you. There is no shame in being raped but there is tremendous power in talking about it. Don’t ever think you have to hide in the shadows. You are brave. You are a fighter. You are strong — stronger than you realize. And you are a member of a sisterhood of other strong, dedicated woman who understand what you are feeling and embrace you with all their might. I will be thinking about you.