I think the word survivor means adapting and overcoming something that has taken you down. I knew it wasn't going to kick my ass. It wasn't going to take me down and I was determined to come out on top of it, not just okay, but better. And that is what being a survivor means to me.

I'm a fighter, I'm a strong woman

I trusted him completely and felt safe with him. So when he turned on me and assaulted me,it shook me so hard because I trusted him like that. It was simply one time that it happened and that destroyed me emotionally.

I speak as someone who is inspired by my daughter. When I speak about this experience, I speak as someone who wants to be brave and stand up for others.