Even in a Wedding Dress

I sit next to you in class, I am your neighbor, friend, and church goer. None of you know my past. Few of you know that I am the only person in this class who has been divorced a year and I am only 23 years old. "My dress doesn't mean yes" even my wedding dress. I chose this picture because I am a survivor of a horrifically abusive 11 month marriage.

People do not realize that abuse, even sexual, can occur no matter if you are single or married. The details of what happened are between me and my counselor but never assume that marriage is a ticket to sexually assault your spouse.

The way I was able to escape my abuser was having family who believed me. They never pushed details and listened to as much as I would tell. When the time was right they literally saved my life. Believe victims of sexual assault, and you may save someone like me.