Personal Narrative: Sexual Assault

The evening of August 13, 2016 was quiet and my plans consisted of working ahead on my homework until you called and invited me to a party. I was innocent and naïve then, and I agreed to meet you at the local club. The rest of the night is a blur. I remember having fun on the dancefloor and that you bought me a few drinks. I also remember waking up on the bathroom floor in pain. That night, you raped me. That night, my innocence died.
By the time I arrived at the hospital, I was in shock and I refused to believe the events that happened were true. I had cuts on my head and face that stung and my arms and legs were bleeding. I also had a severe concussion. The nurses combed every inch of my body and the doctors informed me that I had foreign drugs in my system. In that moment, I lost my confidence, dignity, and self-respect based on a crime that was carried out against me. My body used to represent me; however, now it terrifies me.

My family lacks understanding on sexual assaults and, to them, I was just a young girl who drank too much that night. They believe that I was sexually assaulted because I did not act nor dress appropriately; it was my fault. One night, my mother came into my room with a Bible in her hands and told me that, someday, I would be forgiven of my sins. I felt like I no longer had anything to offer the world because I was never the same person after the sexual assault. Before, I was driven, adventurous, and outgoing. Now, I find it difficult to connect with others because I am afraid that they will harm me. I struggle to find the energy to leave my house anymore because my home offers me safety. I can hardly remember what life was like before my sexual assault because, from that one event, I was forced to leave that innocent girl behind and become an