Finding My Voice: A Journey Through Trauma and Healing

We want to discuss the experiences of sexual assault survivors. Recently, the allegations against Brett Kavanaugh have brought attention to this important topic. When President Trump questioned Christine Blasey Ford's allegations, it resonated with many survivors. His statement implied that if her claims were true, she would have reported them immediately. This triggered a wave of responses from survivors, who shared their experiences online using the hashtag #WhyIDidntReport.

One such survivor, Chessy Prout, bravely came forward with her story. She was just a freshman in high school when she reported being raped by an older classmate. Chessy took the brave step of speaking to authorities and filing charges against her perpetrator. Unfortunately, this decision also brought significant backlash. Her case gained national attention and raised awareness around the difficulties victims face when they choose to come forward.

Chessy later wrote a memoir detailing her experience titled "I Have the Right To.” She also created a support network for other survivors and their families. Speaking out can be incredibly challenging. In her interview, she shared the heavy burden of reliving painful moments in order to share her story with others.

Chessy expressed that writing her memoir was a vital step for her healing process. After the assault, she felt that she could no longer keep her experiences to herself. She knew something had gone horribly wrong and wanted to express it openly. So, she confided in her mother, who then encouraged her to talk to a counselor. The counselor had a legal obligation to report the assault to the police.

In her book, Chessy reveals the turmoil she experienced as a survivor. She emphasizes how often the focus on the survivor’s mental state and well-being is overlooked. Most people don't understand the intense struggle that follows a traumatic experience. A survivor must navigate the aftereffects while attempting to lead a normal life.

Immediately after her assault, Chessy felt shame and humiliation. These emotions are common among survivors. She didn’t want to accept that she lost control and froze during the assault. When she left the area where the incident occurred, her friends greeted her. Graduation weekend for her older sister was ongoing, and she didn't want to shift the focus away from that celebration. Instead, she resolved to conceal her trauma and blamed herself for what had happened.

Initially, Chessy confided in a couple of close friends. Later, when a dorm adviser found her having a panic attack, she shared her situation in a hypothetical context. The adviser recommended reaching out to her mother. Chessy had enjoyed a trusting relationship with her mother, which made it easier for her to open up about her assault. However, they had never had a conversation about consent and healthy relationships, which left some gaps in their discussions.

After Chessy's allegation became known, the reaction from her community was mixed. Initially, her friends were supportive and concerned for her well-being. However, as Chessy pursued legal action, the attitude shifted. Many within her school community began to support her attacker instead. Chessy noticed that it was easier for people to believe a woman could lie than it was for them to accept that a well-regarded young man could do something so horrific.

This shift hurt Chessy deeply. She felt immense pain as she grappled with the reality that others did not see her as a victim. The community raised funds for her attacker’s legal defense, which made her feel extremely isolated and misunderstood. Despite the support of her close friends and family, the broader community's response left her feeling abandoned.

Chessy's case received significant media coverage. It unfolded before the emergence of the MeToo movement, which has recently changed how society addresses sexual assault. In the past year, many people have shared their stories, creating a safer space for survivors to speak out. However, Chessy wonders if it truly makes a difference for everyone.

She expressed that while the movement may benefit some, especially those with privilege, it does not apply universally. Many marginalized communities face cultural barriers that prevent individuals from coming forward. Recently, Chessy interacted with students from a public school in Washington, D.C. Their responses indicated they had little connection to the MeToo movement or its impacts.

Chessy also addressed her feelings about justice following the resolution of her case. Her attacker was acquitted of felony rape but was convicted of three counts of misdemeanor sexual assault. The outcome left her with mixed emotions regarding closure. While she did what she could to seek justice and relied on a supportive network, there remain unresolved feelings.

She highlighted the support she received throughout the legal process, including from detectives and prosecutors. Chessy felt empowered that she used her voice to advocate for herself and others. She realized that her experience could help prevent future assaults, allowing her to find a sense of purpose within her pain.

Chessy emphasizes the importance of sharing stories to shed light on the experiences of sexual assault survivors. Through her memoir and advocacy work, she hopes to foster understanding and support for others who have endured similar