One Victim's Story

A video interview with Sarah, who uses her own voice to let other victims of crime know that though each victim is unique, no victim is truly alone.

Transcript
Sarah:
My name is Sarah. I was sexually assaulted by my stepfather between the ages of four and six.
Sarah:
I lived my life as if nothing happened. It was like a movie in black and white. I kept denying that little girl was me.
Sarah:
My mother asked me if he had done something to me. But I had to say no because he had told me that if my mom knew it, she may die. So I kept my secret.
Sarah:
In 2005, I was working in an organization with many children and... one of the children went home after the day and was molested by a sexual predator. This event was very hard for me and... I was asking myself "What's going on? It's not... it's not about that story!" And I found out it was about my story. It's my story I was living throught this event.
Sarah:
And thirty years later, I lodged a complaint. Yes, thirty years later.
Sarah:
He always was with me in this experience. He came with me to the police station and gave me a push in the back to go through this door and... There's no magic words to say, there's no acts to do that are specific. But listen. Be there. And be there all together, for... for all.
Jean-François:
It's very important to talk, not to be alone on this process. And to be open.
Sarah:
And also, we had a very good relationship with the psychologist. And she had told us: "Well, try to support yourself but Sarah, don't give images to Jean-Francois so he can make... don't talk too much about the events so he gets pictures from what happened, so it won't break what you have together when you're intimate."
Sarah:
And this was a very good advice from her. Now I feel as if I have the right to a new life.
Sarah:
And talking about is part of the solution. You see, I could be your sister, your neighbour, or your colleague.
Sarah:
My dream is that one day, all victims of crime speak up in a thousand voices. Just listen. It's that simple.