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Melissa's Story

Melissa's Story When Melissa was a sophomore in college--only 19 years old--she was violently attacked and raped by an ex-boyfriend in her dorm room. A person she knew and trusted . . . A place she felt safe and secure . . .

Thus began 10 years of denial, alcohol abuse, destructive relationships with men, nightmares, numbness, fear of being alone, extreme jumpiness, flashbacks, and panic attacks. Melissa was miserable and frightened. She wanted to get better and move on, but she needed help.  A friend suggested that Melissa call the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program (RAAP). RAAP provides Counseling and Victim Advocacy for rape and incest survivors. (RAAP also teaches Abuse Prevention skills to children, teens, and women.)

So Melissa began counseling at RAAP with a group of other victims. Melissa trusted the other women in her counseling group. She learned that her symptoms were common. She learned that she was not alone. She learned that it was not her fault. She learned how to move on.  Melissa is now married and she and her husband have a beautiful baby girl, Samantha. Melissa looks forward to raising Samantha, knowing she has much to offer her child.

Melissa says her experience at RAAP changed her life. “My counselors know the art of empowering their clients. We appreciate their support, but know that we are the ones who have done the work and have the strength.”
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