As I parked my car next to a familiar blue Subaru Outback with distinctive Vermont license plates, I felt the familiar tension of hyper-vigilance that accompanies my post-traumatic stress disorder. I’m constantly aware of my surroundings, a habit ingrained in me after my experiences.
I grabbed my yoga mat from the trunk and headed into my favorite studio, unrolling it in my usual spot at the back, where I could lean against the wall for comfort. As I settled into meditation, focusing on my breath and clearing my mind, a woman next to me interrupted, asking about the props needed for class. She was clearly new, so I offered my assistance.
We exchanged small talk, during which she mentioned she was visiting from Vermont. I casually mentioned that I had served in the Coast Guard in Burlington back in 2006, and that marked the end of our pre-class conversation.
After the session, I returned to my car only to find her approaching the Subaru parked beside mine. She thanked me once more for my help and then asked, “So you were in the Coast Guard by the lake, right?” I nodded, unsure of where this was heading.
“Were you there during the rape?” she continued, a question I’ve grown all too familiar with.
I nodded again.
“Do you know the Coast Guard rape victim?”
This inquiry doesn’t shock me anymore; it has become part of my reality. My friend, a Vermont local, once said, “Not much happens here, and your case comes up a lot.” Many residents protested the Coast Guard’s mishandling of my assault and called for justice, which unfortunately never came. Yet, I have received overwhelming support from the people of Vermont, who continue to stand with me in the fight against sexual violence in the military.
I didn’t even know this woman’s name, yet she was aware of the darkest day of my life. I responded firmly, “I was assaulted while serving in the Coast Guard Burlington. Please don’t refer to me as ‘the Coast Guard Burlington rape victim.’ I have a name. My name is Elena Thompson.”
“Elena” is my first name, a tribute to my grandmother, a fierce feminist who raised six children in Greece amid the struggles of post-World War II Europe. Grandma Elena worked tirelessly to ensure her children had better lives, resulting in all of them achieving significant success.
The surname “Thompson” has its own history. My family name was passed down through generations, and I carry it with pride. My father immigrated to the United States as a young man, armed with only a few coins and a dream. Through hard work, he built a successful business that provided for our family, ensuring we lacked for nothing in our privileged life in New York City. My parents instilled in me the importance of using our privilege to uplift others and challenge systemic inequalities.
Growing up, I learned to take pride in my identity. I remember a moment in seventh grade when I faced peer pressure to abandon a friendship with a girl deemed “uncool.” My father’s response to my dilemma was enlightening: “What does a Thompson do?” It became clear that standing by Helen was the only path that would allow me to hold my head high. Through good times, confusing middle school drama, and after the trauma of my assault, I have always known that my family supports me unconditionally. I am truly blessed.
Now that you know my name, let me share who Elena Thompson is: I am a loving wife to a wonderful partner (shout out to you, Mark) and a proud mother to the best little boy in the world (yes, I am biased!). I am also a friend to many amazing individuals I’ve met along my journey. I practice yoga, revel in books, have a sweet tooth for ice cream, and love to travel. Although I still experience nightmares related to my assault, I remain vigilant about my surroundings, fearful of encountering the man who sought to reduce me to “the Coast Guard Burlington rape victim.”
I acknowledge my experience of assault, but I refuse to let it define me. I reject the labels of victim and even survivor. Please call me by my name.
I am strong, ambitious, and powerful. Having survived a violent crime, I chose to share my story and create avenues for others to do the same through the Military Rape Crisis Center, an organization I founded. I have advocated for legislative changes to prevent future assaults and assisted others in their battles for justice. While we have faced defeats, we have also celebrated many victories.
Rape is something that happened to me, a brutal event during my service in Burlington, Vermont. I accept the changes that came with that experience — the nightmares, the headaches, the flashbacks, and the PTSD. However, these do not define who I am.
The identity of “the Coast Guard Burlington rape victim” is a label my assailant attempted to impose on me through his actions. In contrast, Elena Thompson — the wife, mother, human rights advocate, yogi, traveler, author, and friend — is the identity I have forged through my choices and actions.
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In summary, my name is Elena Thompson, and I am much more than a single tragic event. I am a multifaceted individual whose identity is built on strength, resilience, and purpose.