If I had to describe sexual assault survivors in one word, it would be misunderstood.  The only person who understands what they’re feeling is themselves; it’s an isolating feeling. Because of this and the sensitivity of the topic, family and friends often don’t know how to help. This leaves survivors to  to suffer in silence.

            I currently work as a research assistant on a project focused on women’s experiences with sexual assault. Week after week, I listen to audio recordings and transcribe these women’s stories. Some women say that it was the worst experience of their lives, while others say they’ve experienced worse. I’ve come to realize that every single story, and reaction, is different. I am a survivor myself, and recently my best friend was sexually assaulted. She came to me and said, “Where do I go from here?” It made me think of my journey, and the journey that so many other people make toward healing after experiencing this type of trauma. This question, now the title of this project, is the foundation of my project.

           There are photo essays focusing on the different types of sexual assault, where they happen, and what people were wearing when it occurred. My focus is on the aftermath. To shed light on the unknown, inner experiences of those who have been a victim of sexual assault, I created this photo essay that focuses on the healing and overcoming.