JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.- Two sexual assault survivors came forward to share their stories to Madigan Army Medical Center staff members during Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month “Survivor Experience” at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 28.
The survivors shared their stories in a public forum and expressed the importance of not being afraid or ashamed to come forward.
“In the month of April, we recognize all survivors and victims,” said Col. Michael Place, commander of Madigan Amy Medical Center. As a survivor and victim always say to yourself, “I still got a lot of fight left in me.”
The Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention Center provides help with any assault and harassment incidents.
“After staying up all night having anxiety and suffering depression, I decided I needed to get help,” said Dionte, a sexual assault survivor.
Dionte noted he had difficulty coming forward about his experience because he was afraid of the stigma of being a male who was sexually assaulted.
He went to SHARP to get help. After using the resources, he said, there’s always someone there for Soldiers to talk to and get the support they need.
“Never let anything get in your way; always tell somebody,” Dionte said. “It will make your life better, and you can be free. Don’t be afraid.”
“I was afraid,” said Ashleigh, a sexual assault survivor. “I didn’t want to hurt my family, so I kept quiet,”
Deep down, she was hurting, and didn’t know what to do.
“Until one day I realized, not only has the suspect affected me, the suspect affected others,” Ashleigh said. “If I would have said something, I would have helped others.”
She had one message for anyone who is a victim of sexual assault.
“Please tell somebody,” Ashleigh said.
“Don’t let the memories and thoughts overpower you, I know it’s hard,” said Amber Johnson, program attendant at Madigan. “Everyday is a struggle, but your story needs to be told.”
For more information, call the JBLM 24-hour SHARP hotline at (253) 389-8469 or email preventsexualassault@army.mil.