Lisa was sexually assaulted by three men when she was in another country. She turned to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for help when she learned she would need to go back to testify against her assailants.
 
"In June of 2015, I received an e-mail from my lawyer informing me that my trial date had been set. I had not heard from my lawyer in over a year, so you can imagine my surprise. The timing could not have been worse. I had recently moved back to the USA and was finally getting back on my feet. Memories of the rape and the trauma were always with me and I was managing pretty well, but knowing that I would soon be facing my rapists in court caused my anxiety level to skyrocket. I was fearful all the time, had nightmares every night and could not stop crying. The thought of being in the same room with the three men who attempted to destroy my life was chipping away at my sanity. I felt overwhelmed and needed help.

I was unemployed and my parents did not support me going to trial or seeking counseling; I had no means of paying for counseling. I am very grateful for the three month grant I was provided to underwrite the cost of my counseling. During my first visit, I cried almost the entire forty-five minutes. I explained to Angela my confusion about the trial process. She offered information and referrals so I could understand the legal process. I left the meeting with hope and a hint of calmness. Every session after that, I came in feeling overwhelmed, uncontrollably emotional and feeling as if I was going crazy. I left every time with calmness and a renewed sense of hope.

The rape had taught me to prepare for the worst and live in fear. I couldn't walk down the street or an empty hallway without the fear of being raped, and night time was terrifying. Angela's office became my haven. She taught me coping skills to deal with trauma, anxiety, fear, and all the other emotions.

Two instances stand out for me. I was on my way to the Crisis Center, when I received an email from a prospective employer. I called her, but she did not answer. By the time I arrived at my appointment, I was freaking out. In my mind, she was calling to tell me I did not get the job. Angela and I worked on training my brain to ground itself, think positively and rationally, and back it up with examples of reality. To this day, I refer back to those processes when my brain starts jumping to the worst conclusion.

The second instance was when I had gone to the mall one night. In the parking lot, there were a lot of cars, but no people. Suddenly, I saw a man leaving a car and approaching the mall. Instantly, I panicked and became anxious; however, my brain remembered what Angela had taught me: to be aware of what is going on (the reality). I told myself to take a breath and be aware of his movements and my surroundings. I walked to my car in a somewhat state of calmness. It was a triumphant moment for me. I refer to the coping mechanisms every single day of my life.  

Whenever I became scared about moving on without Angela's support, she helped me believe in myself and find the strength and courage that led me this far. I am far from being 100 percent, but with the skills she taught me, I am becoming a better version of my old self. An infinity of thank yous would never be enough for this "Venice Queen". In two weeks, I will stand on stage at Take Back the Night and share my story as a survivor. Thank you for that opportunity as well. For Angela and the Crisis Center, which has made all this possible, I am and will forever be grateful."