Katie Wee is a film and television actress, mindset coach and the founder of Happy Camp, a retreat where people can come to reclaim their happiness and empowerment. She recently recounted aspects of her survivor story to RAINN as part of her work as an activist. Read Katie’s story and take action today.

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I am one of thousands of sexual assault survivors whose story needs to be told. 

Every 68 seconds, a person in the U.S. is sexually assaulted — and every 9 minutes that person is a child like I was — so you can see why RAINN is critical to the 1,270 people who could experience sexual assault today. 

Did you know that less than 3% of rape survivors see the justice of having the abuser incarcerated? My internationally renowned ballet teacher sexually abused me over a four-year period starting when I was only 12. My family and friends had no idea what was happening to me, and it was my worst fear they would find out.

I carried an enormous amount of shame and guilt about what happened. Fifteen years after the abuse, I had reached the place in life where I thought I could be happy, but I was stuck in a traumatizing loop of my experiences as a child.

With the help of my therapist, I found the courage to stand up, speak out, and confront my abuser in court. The legal process was difficult—retraumatizing—and an unnecessarily heavy burden. After the trial, two more women were brave enough to come forward with allegations of abuse from this teacher. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

I tell my story because future generations deserve to have their voices heard and stories believed. But they need our support today to make that happen.

What happened to me is not uncommon. These horrifying statistics will only change if we stand up and take action.

• On average, there are 463,634 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States.

• Of all victims under 18, 34 percent are under age 12. 

• Sexual violence has long-term effects on survivors, including PTSD, suicide attempts, increased likelihood of drug use, sexually transmitted infections, problems with family, friends, and work … and more.

• Young women are especially at risk, though men and boys are certainly affected by sexual violence — 1 out of every 10 rape victims is male.

Together we can end sexual violence.

I wish I’d known about RAINN when I was 12. RAINN gives a voice to those who often feel silenced, scared, and alone. RAINN supports survivors, answers RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline, brings awareness to legislative issues, and educates parents, caregivers, and loved ones about preventing sexual violence.

RAINN would’ve made the difference for me. I hope it helps the next person who needs them.

Forever grateful,

Katie Wee

To learn more visit  katiewee.com/happycamp or follow her on Instagram @itskatiewee

Statistics above were reported by the United States Department of Justice and the CDC.