How Brave Miss World Changed My Life

Brave Miss World was screened at my college’s annual film festival last year. I saw the film as a class requirement- I did not know much about it beforehand. The next 90 minutes or so changed my life. I was so deeply moved by Linor’s story. My heart was broken into a thousand pieces. All I wanted to do was help in some way, so I immediately returned to my dorm and donated money to the film.

That was in February. Three months later, I was raped. It was strange- rape is something you often read about or hear about on the news, but you never think it will happen to you. But we are all equally vulnerable. It can happen to anyone. Bad things often happen to good people and there is no explanation.

I was out with friends and excused myself to use the restroom. On my way back to our table, a man cut me off and grabbed my arm. He was able to get me outside the restaurant and forced me to walk with him to a nearby park where he raped me. I was missing for almost two hours and my friends had no idea where I was. I cannot remember his face so well, but I remember his hands so clearly. I see them in my nightmares, I feel them wrapped around my throat, covering my mouth, bruising my legs.

I thought I was ok for a while, but months later I am suffering from PTSD. There were so many times when I just felt like giving up, but then I thought of Linor and her journey. Thinking of Linor, and this incredible film, gave me the strength to go on when I thought I could not go on any longer. For that, I thank you. I kept reaching out for help and hitting dead ends, but finally I have found some help for myself. Thank you for not allowing me to give up and for reminding me that I am not alone.