Below is the seventh submission to the Community Forum for Survivors submitted anonymously on 10/6/2018.We appreciate the trust this survivor, and all survivors, place in us by sharing their stories. Note: MCRCC does not allow comments on blog posts.

Survivor’s gender identity: Female

The survivor’s age at the time sexual violence was perpetrated against them: 3, 7, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 33

The survivor's age now: 41

The survivor’s description of sexual violence perpetrated against them:

"Since I was a child I have been exposed to sexual abuse from both men and women. The theme has pervaded my entire life. At 41 I’m just learning how to set healthy boundaries and love myself despite the many ways that the trauma has affected and molded me. I still look forward to the day that I can remove the lens of trauma and get to know who I am without and under all that. What’s more tragic than sexual assault is when it has happened so many times you are numb to it."

If you or someone you care about has been sexually assaulted and is looking for resources or support, MCRCC provides a confidential helpline available 24/7 at (831) 375-4357. We support survivors today and always.