Madeline Khare's Story:

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Last year, I was assaulted. When I confessed what had happened to some friends, they asked me why I didn't try to punch him or to get out. I felt powerless, but I couldn't rationalize my lack of action. The way I was treated after being assaulted made me feel like I was making a big deal out of nothing when, in reality, I wasn't making a big enough deal about it. It took me months to even accept that I had been raped. I felt like the world really wanted me to feel isolated, exposed, and hurt. My anxiety and depression got really, really bad. And while I still struggle with anxiety and depression, and I can say that it does get better. About a year after my experience, I can say that I've found a support group of amazing friends who don't think I am a burden, who validate my experience, and who I can trust to take care of me if I feel low. And, hey, when there aren't people, there are dogs! The best thing to remember after being assaulted is that you are not defined by any labels; this shitty, shitty thing that happened to you does not define you. You are not a burden; you have a purpose; joy will come to you. Recovery is possible.