I Need Blue

Theresa: From Rape Survivor to a Voice of Strength, Breaking the 17-Year Silence

Jennifer Lee/Theresa Season 5 Episode 13

Theresa’s courage proves that even after 17 years of silence, a voice can rise stronger than the violence that tried to silence it.

When Teresa heard glass shatter that Saturday morning in March 2007, she had no idea her life was about to change forever. What followed was a horrific sexual assault in her own home—a place that should have been her sanctuary. For eighteen years she has carried this trauma, reliving it each March through recurring nightmares. Despite a thorough police investigation that linked her attacker to multiple assaults across two countries, he was never caught—leaving her without the closure conventional justice might have provided.

Yet Teresa’s resilience defines her story, not the violence. Raised by government investigator parents, she stayed alert during the attack, noticing critical details that helped police, and when the chance came to escape, she took it with courage. Rather than remain in “victim-hood,” Teresa returned to her apartment, faced her fears, and leaned on faith, therapy, supportive friends, her pets and artistic expression to reclaim her voice. Now, by sharing her story, she hopes to reach others still suffering in silence: Feel empowered to go forward, tell your story  with God guiding you.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, visit:  

https://rainn.org for free, confidential support. 

National hotline: Available 24 hours. 1-800-656-4673

Connect with Jen:
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Facebook:  
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 Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

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Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived:  How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
 https://whyisurvived.com/

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