“My family ended up being the most supportive piece. Especially my mom. When I was in the summer between 7th and 8th grade I was raped and got pregnant. I suffered an early miscarriage- and through it all I told no one. I was waiting until marriage for sex and I felt every ounce of the control stripped away. I didn’t report because everyone in my life knew him. They knew who he was and I didn’t want to ruin his life. I stayed silent until 9th grade and then I finally told my mom. She didn’t know what to do what to say or how to help me. The next day she took me to the hospital had me check out and then I was taken to the police station to fill out a report. CPS went and talked to his family a few weeks later when he admitted it. I went through very bad PTSD. I could barely pull myself out of bed some days. I cried to my pastor about it and I felt very alone and very scared. When I started going through very intense counseling and therapy, I found healing and learned how to deal with my emotions and triggers. Through it all my mom and my therapist were my biggest advocates. My personal Relationship with God also helped tremendously. I would do devotionals and really saw them working in my life. After a path of self destruction, I wish there was something in the church that had said if you’re struggling, we can help or a system to get that help. I wish my pastor had better advice through it all and that he would have something tangible to remember him helping me with. I am thankful that R.I.S.E. exists now to equip churches to help others find the resources and support they need to get on the path of healing and restoration ” –Anonymous