Dealing with Sexual Assault Trauma (Brianna Velazquez, 21 y/o)

I used to think that what happened to me in college was something that I’d never work through. It felt as if I was being stabbed repeatedly in my chest with no blood coming out. My anxiety hit me harder than ever and my depression sky rocketed. Just two weeks after my 18th birthday in 2016, I faced domestic violence and sexual assault from a guy I was speaking to at the time. I remember it vividly and I still get goosebumps thinking about it.

I couldn't escape the feeling of him pulling my hair. I couldn't stand it. My newly found hatred for the strands on my head grew and I ended up cutting all of it off. I was left with bruises on my body and in my spirit. He had no permission to touch me. My temple was invaded and it was such a horrifying feeling. The only way I knew how to cope was to be open about my experience and trust in the support that I had around me. I didn’t seek therapy at the time because I was lucky to have the support from strong individuals in my life and they gave me reassurance.

It’s okay to be open and honest with those you love and care for about your trauma. Don’t be afraid to tell them because they are there for you. Even when you feel like the world crashing down they’ll help your little world by lifting it back up. Its never going to fully heal, the trauma and the pain. I’m okay with that though because it’s only made me much stronger and more vocal.

You are not a victim, you are not weak, you are not in the wrong. You are strong, you are courageous, you are a survivor. To any victim of any form of abuse-- always remember you are worthy of love and respect and beautiful in every way. Thank you to whoever is reading my story, I pray I can help be the voice of so many individuals who face horrific situations like I have. God bless you all and keep your head up high and strong.