While I feel so sorry that these women experienced such horrifying experiences, Many of the Harvey Weinstein Abuses Could have been Prevented. Yes. I know this statement may sound cold and without empathy. But, it’s not. It’s because I care. It’s because I don’t want others to be abused. As a victim of sexual assault and a person who stood up against a powerful abuser, I can make a statement like this.

In addition, the abuse of Harvey Weinstein was a Hollywood known secret. In fact, jokes were made about it publicly. Maybe you remember that when comedian Seth MacFarlane announced Oscar nominees in 2013, he joked, “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.” The audience laughed. Yes, they laughed.

A person should never ever pressure another person to be involved in a sexual way with them. Never. Unfortunately, sex abuse, in many forms, is rampant. It’s everywhere. It’s horrible to be violated this way. This violation is an abuse that most people never heal from. It’s a devastating reality. But, we need to stand up against these abusers as soon as possible to prevent others from being abused.

In August of 2008, I was a victim of sexual assault by a police officer in my home after I called 911 for help. It was the most terrifying experience in my life — and I have been in many terrifying experiences in my life.

I called 911 for help and after he helped me he blocked my door, holding his huge flashlight in his hands, and told me to get naked. He was 6’3 and I am a small 5`2. The rest of the night was horrible.

Now, I wanted to just sweep this experience under the rug. I wanted to just forget it about. But, I could not. I talked to a couple friends and one of them said that I needed to report this to protect other girls. So, that is what I did.

Do you have any idea how hard that was??? It was so exhausting, scary, and embarrassing. But, I had to do it.

I called 911 again to report what this cop did to me. I was crying. I was scared. I asked them not to report this over the dispatch because I was scared he would hear it and come back and hurt me more. (I found out years later, they did dispatch it and he heard it!!!)

Shortly after, another police officer knocked on my door for a report. Then, I had to go to the police station surrounded by other police. Was I scared? Of course.

Then, I was interviewed by agents from the District Attorney’s office while police officers sat in and listened.

This all went on for hours. I was in fear of retaliation (and still am), fear for my daughters (still am), fear for not being believed, fear of people judging me, and fear of so much. I am still in fear whenever I see a police officer. I shake.

See, this was extremely terrifying because this cop knew where I lived. He was in my home. He knew all of my doors. I also have no family because I was given away when I was 13. All I had were my two young daughters that I had to protect. Thankfully, they were with my ex-husband that night and he was able to keep them for a few extra days.

Because I reported him, he was no longer a police officer and still is not to this day. Will he ever abuse again? I have no idea. But, he will never be able to do so again as a cop.

I know it’s extremely terrifying to stand up against a powerful person. But, you have to, especially if they are abusing innocent people. While it’s challenging, it’s liberating to know you are doing the right thing and protecting others.

Are there risks to standing up against a powerful person? Of course. There is always a risk when trying to take down a person with horrible morals. They think and act differently than us. You never know what they will do. But, trust me, you will feel better knowing that you tried to protect others. It actually helps in the healing process, too.

If you have been abused and need help with standing up, you can reach out to me for help. Fill out this contact form below. Of course, anything you share with me is confidential: