Survivors of Sexual Assault

Pattie was raped by her stepfather as a child. She began a non-profit organization to assist childhood victims of sexual assault. She has been speaking at prisons for 15 years to raise awareness to the trauma of sexual assault on children.

"The reason I speak is because survivors need to know that offenders need to carry the burden of guilt not the victims."

Jayme was raped by three juveniles when she was 14. Now in college, Jayme speaks on stereotypes of rape victims, re-victimization, the response of law enforcement in rape cases, and how to support a loved one who has been raped.

"'Tough times don't last but tough people do' and 'Every negative can become a positive thing' are two quotes that have helped get me through. I feel that every time I speak I am turning an awful situation into a great one. I enjoy speaking more than anything! If I change one person's outlook that is a huge deal... one by one we are helping increase awareness of sexual assault!! I would love to speak to teenagers and adults. Also the police force...I love it all!"

Beth is a chemist, a musician and a survivor of rape and childhood sexual abuse. At the age of 15, she was repeatedly raped and abused by her band director over the course of a year. She eventually reported the crime and testified against her teacher in a criminal trial. Beth speaks about the difficulty in coming forward, adult responsibility, and family and community response. She is interested in increasing awareness about childhood sexual abuse and rape. Some of the topics she speaks about are the lasting effects of abuse on survivors and their families and survivors unique needs from healthcare professionals. She is interested in speaking to community groups, healthcare professionals, media and law enforcement personnel and other survivors.

"Based on my personal experiences, I have a unique insight to childhood sexual abuse and rape. I want to help put an end to this horrible crime and provide hope and healing to those who have experienced it."

Iya is a poet laureate who as a teenager was kidnapped and raped. She speaks about the trauma, shame, and silence that surrounded her victimization. She also talks about the African American culture and how it stresses silence and not airing secrets. She tells how this hurt her as a survivor and how important speaking out against rape is and on being open and receptive to children so they know it is safe to seek help if they have been victimized.

"Language is a code, use it, or be used by it."

Brenda was sexually molested as a young child by a neighbor boy and then in a sexual relationship with a teacher during high school. She talks about the love, confusion and guilt that she experienced and how she did not realize until years later that it was sexual assault.

Maggie is a published author and photojournalist. She was raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania where she married, Will, her high school sweetheart. They have four children. In August of 2005, her then six-year-old son witnessed a sexual assault that his uncle, by marriage, committed. His sharing this account stopped more than two years of assaults that were focused within Maggie’s family. This experience also unearthed decades of assaults implemented by this uncle that took place within his family and community. Maggie presents her family story with her daughter Autumn’s art which describes the assault, her emotions, and healing. Their goal is too educate participants on the signs of sexual assault, how to prevent it and where to turn to obtain help if you or someone you love has been assaulted.

Kate was kidnapped, robbed, terrorized and repeatedly raped by a stranger in 1993. In January 1994, he was acquitted of all charges. In 2004, he was arrested and tried for an almost identical rape. This time, he was found guilty and sentenced to 20-40 years in state prison. Kate’s passion is public speaking – educating any and all people about the issue of sexual violence and its impact on our society.

Kris is a recording artist and commercial actress who gives a realistic, dramatic performance to show the signs, symptoms and effects of childhood sexual abuse. An incest victim for 10 years, Kris now thinks of herself as not only a survivor but a THRIVOR who enjoys life and lives a healthy and happy existence. She hopes to offer hope and encourage, inspire and educate audiences who may know of someone suffering or who themselves may still be suffering.