Marissa

I especially feel like my mom, she showed up for me in so many ways.

She was constantly there.

Calling police sergeants, calling lawyers, calling neighbors, whatever she could do to help.

That was something I wasn't capable of in the moment.

And so I was really grateful that she was there for that.

Another really positive thing that has come from it is me being able to communicate with other victims of sexual assault.

Since this came out, it was very public.

And I've had hundreds of messages from women who have had a similar situation, either with a different university's Title IX office, with a sexual assault, and even some with the University of Utah's Title IX office.

whose stories literally mirrored mine and are happening currently or have happened recently.

It's really interesting to see that not much has changed.

I got a message from a girl who I'm going to keep completely anonymous.

She had had a similar experience with my perpetrator to me.

It's so validating in the fact that I did something about this, that I wasn't mistaken about what happened.

Another really big positive is that I have a daughter and she is my whole entire life

I get to tell her that I stood up for myself and I get to create that example for her of a strong woman and a woman that doesn't give up.

And she's going to know that no matter what, I will always advocate for her.

That is one of the most important things that I've learned.

I am able to advocate for myself.

strangers that this has happened to i'm able to advocate for friends i'm able to give advice i'm able to just be a listening ear and to be trusted with such sensitive topics and tiffany i know that you understand this because you are trusted with such sensitive topics

To be trusted with this, it's such an honor.