It’s a constant struggle and a constant battle but after battling it for over five years, I can say that I am a survivor. It’s a constant mind game with yourself and the memories last a lifetime, or so it feels. When I was just fifteen years old I was molested by my Aunt and Uncle. I was making a trip to see them in Georgia which changed my life forever. This is my Father’s side of the family, which he passed away in 2005 so I was trying to get closer to this side of the family and remain in touch. 2007 is when I made this trip to see my Aunt and Uncle. I was there for 5 days; the first night I was there was the night that the trauma took place, they gave me alcohol and drugged me. The rest of my stay was a blur, and very hard to endure. Luckily I have good friends and family that stuck with me throughout this whole process. It has not been easy, but standing up for me and all the others who have been abused, this battle with the court system has been worth it!!!
After a mistrial, and two years after the incident happened, I finally got a conviction. Being on the stand was another battle that I had with myself, not only was I re-victimized, but I’m trying to convince everyone of my story. There were other factors that were a part of my case or evidence, which consisted of pictures, videos, and “toys” that made my case stronger. They were given a sentence of 50 years for each of them. They are still in prison in Georgia, however, they are doing everything in their power to appeal and get out. All of the lower courts in the state of Georgia have denied them a right to an appeal and now they are moving on the U.S. Supreme court to petition on receiving an appeal. Hopefully our Great God will not allow this to happen and I will finally be at peace with myself, along with my family members and friends. Only time will tell, and until then I will try to remain calm and keep convincing myself to forgive and move on.
To everyone that has gone through this type of trauma, stay strong and push through these hard moments in life. I’m not sure why things of the nature happen to people, but there is a reason for everything. Don’t give up on yourself, you can do this! We all have a past, but don’t let this define you in a negative way, overcome it and be able to look back knowing that you have pushed through and become a survivor.
Just an uplifting note: I have completed my A.A. degree and I am now starting Florida State University to receive my bachelor’s degree, where I hope to go to law school to help victims overcome their fear.