My name is Justine, I’m 32 years old and I was sexually abused by my dad’s best friend from age 4 to 15.

My entire life I’ve had sleeping issues, due to the abuse only happening when I was asleep.

I was raped at age 8 on Christmas Eve and it forever changed me. Silence was just a norm, but inside I was screaming for someone to simply “notice”; notice the hurt, the pain, the anguish, the confusion, the awkward silence I always portrayed.

Three weeks before my 16th birthday he touched me once again, but this time I cried until I woke my mom from sobbing.

He took a plea bargain of 5 years and was charged with sexual assault of a minor under 15.

According to the private investigator on the case, he had been doing these things since he was a teenager.

Many mutual friends denied any wrongdoing, though a few instances were blatant and people knew things yet didn’t say a word.

Today, I am a survivor who is a college student seeking a profession in counselling so that I can advocate for others.

A conviction doesn’t mean there is justice; justice desperately needs reform.

Victims, please seek therapy.

Abusers, please seek therapy and stop abusing innocent children.