Finding Her Voice - A Sexual Assault Survivor's Personal Journey
Ambie, a 16 year old high school student, wanted to kill herself. She had been raped and could not stand the pain of that trauma. Before acting, she called the Teenage Suicide Prevention Hotline which connected her with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Professional counselors worked with her and today she is well of the road to recovery and healing. "One phone call changed my life," Ambie declared.
Since that first phone call, Ambie has worked with the Advocates in the Sexual Assault Services and participated in a series of Empowerment Workshops. In the Workshops, led by survivors further along in their own healing process, she learned strategies and techniques to support her health and healing. She learned stress-reduction techniques to help control her anxiety, and heard that dance could be a great tool. Today, she is using her musical talents to continue her healing. Ambie writes music, plays flute, piano and guitar. "My dream is to use my music to help other people," she said.
In April, the Crisis Center and the Sexual Violence Task Force hosted the local Take Back the Night event, part of an international effort that creates awareness, empowers survivors and educates the community about sexual violence.
Ambie was there in Curtis Hixon Park and stepped forward to offer her raw description of the assault. It was the first time she spoke out and was a courageous and important step in her healing. She also danced in the "Flash Mob" that evening in the park.
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