Worldwide, people are dealing with sexual violence, which can take place anywhere, anytime. Globally, an estimated 35% of women have been physically and sexually violated at some point in time. Almost 1.2 million girls have experienced forced sexual actions.

“So what helped me was, this happened in all three years throughout middle school, and I knew I needed to get a way out somehow, so for me, I had to leave my home completely, and try to form relationships and community outside of home, Elizabeth McReynolds says. ”

She also mentions how her soccer team and the beginning of high school had become her support systems and family. Her support systems helped her grow and become stronger at the end of the day.

LSU provides knowledge along support in the Student Union. There, they have pamphlets with more details about sexual assault. Similar to other response systems, Star is one of the most popular local options available to people in need of help in Baton Rouge these days.

“Yes, we definitely get survivors who are currently enrolled in college, we encounter minors, we encounter those older and later in life who have recently experienced sexual violence or who experienced sexual violence years ago and just now feel empowered to ask now and speak up and ask for help Star Service Director, Alix Tarnowsky shares.”

Tarnosky shares how many people face the challenge of seeking help. To go through this process takes a lot of courage and bravery upon the person. She mentions that it has also impacted her. It changed her perspectives on life and revealed how cruel and heartless people can be these days.

“Well, it depends on how you react to it, so yes, that may have happened to me, but my life is still going, and because of that, I have to keep trying and keep pursuing and keep chasing after my end goal, Elizabeth McReynolds says.”

McReynolds shares how even though it’s hard and scary to find ways to get out of that situation, you have to push yourself and always try because it will only get worse as you get older.

Sexual violence has not only impacted women but also men. About 81% of women and over 43% of men have been assaulted. This is still an ongoing struggle that people face; that’s why it’s important to spread the word and keep fighting.

For additional information about sexual violence, visit star.ngo, and for a direct response, call their emergency hotline at (855) 435-star.