Beverly's Story

Survivor - Cleveland

Beverly was sexually abused for ten years, from the time she was three years old until she was 13.  She kept that painful secret hidden from her parents and her family.  For decades, she felt completely unable to express herself.

“I carried that around pretty much all of my life and as I interacted in my world.  I was very angry and enraged at times, when I couldn’t tell you what I was feeling,” Beverly explains.  

A call to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) helped Beverly find her voice.  Through group therapy, she has learned to express herself and talk about her issues and concerns. Beverly says the interaction with facilitators and other support group members has helped her grow into the person she has always wanted to be.

“I choose to speak out about my experience because I like to be of service and help those who experienced what I’ve experienced.  And to let them know that it’s ok.  The Rape Crisis Center is here to help you with tons of support and guidance,” encourages Beverly.  

She is no longer simply surviving but is now able to thrive and offers this advice to others. “Find your voice; find your courage; walk through the doors; make the phone call.  They will take it from there.”

Like Beverly, you can become a Face of Change.  Click here to donate and let other survivors know they don’t have to walk the journey alone.