My experience with sexual assault is a shadow that looms over me. A year ago, on the 16th of the month, I was assaulted by a man whose face I don’t recall. Thankfully, the details remain hazy; I only remember the color of his hair and his ethnicity. Yet, the questions linger—what really transpired? Why did this happen to me? The shame and embarrassment weigh heavily, and I struggle to reclaim my sense of self.
Despite my past resilience as a survivor of an abusive relationship, this violation shook me to my core. It didn’t matter that I’m a mother to two boys, an aunt to many, or that I was preparing for my first half marathon the next day. What mattered to my assailant was only his momentary gratification.
The aftermath was a nightmare: the rape kit, lying on the examination table while a nurse cataloged my injuries, the intrusive tests that followed, and the emotional turmoil that ensued. I grappled with sleepless nights and thoughts of ending my pain. My name, my identity—none of it mattered to him.
In light of recent news, it’s been exhausting to remain quiet on social media. The headlines are filled with a certain man making disturbing remarks about sexual assault. This is not a political issue; it concerns basic human decency, especially from someone vying for the highest office in the land. This individual has a history of troubling behavior, including pending court cases related to rape and derogatory comments about women.
When will we stop normalizing such behavior? How can anyone dismiss his statements as “just words,” simply because he’s wealthy or a celebrity? That mindset reveals a troubling acceptance of narcissism that mirrors my assailant’s attitude.
Hearing Donald Trump speak about women in degrading terms sends ripples of anxiety through me, reigniting the trauma of my assault. I know I’m not alone. The voices of countless survivors are drowned out by the fervor of political supporters. His words act as triggers, echoing the sentiments of many victims, including myself.
This is why I choose to speak up—not just for myself, but for all survivors who have been silenced. It’s vital to break that silence. When you see someone passionately opposing these behaviors, take a moment to understand their perspective. Don’t call them hypocrites for enjoying certain media or label them as lost. They know where they stand, and they’re fighting for a cause.
It’s time to recognize that the words we deem as “just vulgarity” are often a reflection of deeper issues. Accusing us of overreacting only perpetuates the cycle of silence and shame. Statistics reveal that one in four women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. That’s a staggering reality that should concern us all.
The man seeking the presidency may be affluent and famous, but to me, he embodies the very essence of my trauma. I refuse to overlook his behavior for the sake of political allegiance. I stand firm against condoning actions that normalize sexual violence. I will not turn my back, not for myself or for the countless other survivors out there.
We must advocate for change. This is a matter of serious importance, addressing nonconsensual acts against individuals of all genders. It’s time to acknowledge this issue and to stop enabling it.
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In summary, we must unite against the normalization of sexual violence and actively support survivors. The fight for dignity and respect should be at the forefront of our societal values, and we must not shy away from voicing our concerns.