my name is Annarose Quinn, and I Am a survivor of sexual assault.
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In August 2020, I experienced a life altering event – a sexual assault by someone I had considered a friend. It was a harrowing experience that would set me on a path towards healing and advocacy.
The aftermath of the assault was overwhelming. In September, I began therapy to cope with the emotional turmoil, and I was diagnosed with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the therapy was a crucial step, it was just the beginning of my journey.
It wasn't until October that I found the strength to confide in my family about what had transpired. The burden of silence was heavy, and I knew that I couldn't carry it alone any longer. They offered their unwavering support, which gave me the courage to take the next daunting step.
In November, I mustered the courage to report the assault to the Tucson Police Department. It was a difficult decision, but it was a necessary one. My case was assigned to a detective in January 2021, and in February of the same year, my abuser was arrested on charges of sexual assault and kidnapping.
Reflecting on the night of my assault is painful. I had gone to a friend's house with my roommate, hoping for a fun evening with friends to kick off the school year. However, my world took a dark turn when my roommate left abruptly with my keys and my abuser took my phone. I pleaded for help from those present, but everyone seemed paralyzed by fear or uncertainty. Hours passed before I could finally escape, injured and in distress, racing home across my college campus at 3:30 a.m.
For nearly a year, I felt like a shell of myself, navigating life on autopilot. It seemed as though everything was spiraling out of control, and I was at a complete loss about what to do next.
However, at some point, I realized that I couldn't continue to hide. The weight of shame was not mine to bear. It became clear that speaking up was a powerful and necessary step in my healing journey.
When I found the courage to share my story, I discovered a supportive community of resilient people who unapologetically and authentically shared their own experiences in turn. Their unwavering love, empathy, and grace became a beacon of hope and healing.
These experiences led me to the creation of 50fifty, a platform designed to bring everyone into the conversation about sexual assault. This issue doesn't discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life. Real change can only happen when we all come together.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for joining me in the mission to end sexual violence and cultivate a culture of consent, respect, and education. Together, we can make a difference.
With love,
Annarose
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