Jamie’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Sexual Assault)

I was 15 years old and he was 2 year older. I was gullible. He knew exactly what to say. I fell for it. At 15 years old, I became a victim of sexual assault. I waited over a year to tell anyone including my parents because I did not want to disappoint them. They immediately sought counseling sessions for me and groups to help me process such a traumatic event. Nightmares and flashbacks became daily occurrences. Anti depressants, mood stabilizers, and sleeping pills were like candy. I was exhausted and wondering why I was even alive.

My rape counselor told me about Kelly Green, creator of Operation Freefall. Kelly used the empowerment her assault gave her to help others. On the anniversary of her assault she went skydiving. Since then, every year, thousands of people take part in Operation Freefall, many skydiving for the first time. All proceeds raised goes to local rape crisis facilities and hospitals to provide victims with care and protection.

In 2007, I participated in Operation Freefall, the 2 1/2 mile stand against sexual assault. I raised over $1200 and me and my closest friend went skydiving. The experience gave me hope. I can overcome. From then on I decided to make a conscious decision to not let my assault become me. I was merely a victim. However, I refuse to let “victim” define me. Now whenever I start to have a flashback or wake up from a nightmare…I read this and I still feel like a fighter, like a winner, like I can overcome anything.

I fight like a girl who refuses to be a victim. I fight like a girl who is tired of being ignored and humored and beaten and raped. I fight like a girl who’s sick of not being taken seriously. I fight like a girl who’s been pushed too far. I fight like a girl who offers and demands respect. I fight like a girl who has a lifetime of anger and strength and pride built up in her girly body. I fight like a girl who doesn’t believe in fear and submission. I fight like a girl who knows that this body and this mind are mine. I fight like a girl who knows that you only have as much power as I grant you. I fight like a girl who will never again allow you to take any more than I offer. I fight like a girl that fights back. So next time you think you can distract yourself from your insecurities by victimizing a girl…. THINK AGAIN. SHE MAY BE ME AND I FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!!

Jamie
North Carolina
Submitted 12-29-11

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.