Content warning: This story contains mentions of sexual violence.
I started college as most other freshmen do: starry-eyed, nervous and ready to “find myself.” But around a month into my freshman year, that all changed. In October 2017, I was sexually assaulted.
I feel that I have to include something that is often used to blame survivors for the harm they experienced. I’m including it not because I believe it’s acceptable to ask someone why they didn’t come forward sooner, but because it’s a part of my experience, and I hope it might validate the experiences of others. I did not realize I was sexually assaulted right after it happened. A part of me always knew, but the trauma was just too much to bear. I tried my best to move on.