I was sexually abused as a child. For years I thought this heinous act was my fault. It did not help at all that I was later raped by a different person in my late 20s. Any healing I had done prior to being raped was shattered. I was a very broken individual.

Within the past few years I have taken various steps in my healing journey. A huge turning point in my life was when I attended the Saprea Retreat. At the retreat I had a powerful realization: I am not alone in what I have gone through and we are all worthy of healing.

I will use my voice to speak out against sexual abuse and raise awareness to prevent it.

-Sharissa, Survivor