I am 67 years old now. When I was in college I went on a date in my sophomore year of college with a graduate student. He invited me to his off campus apartment for dinner. When I got there, he offered me a drink of wine, when I accepted. He said he was going to get comfortable and make dinner. He went into the bathroom and came out only with a towel and a towel, an erection, and a condom on. He sat next to me and started rubbing my shoulders which made me uncomfortable. He then started kissing me and pushed me back on the sofa. I asked him to stop and he reached for my underwear. I started to fight and he held me down and called me a “cockteaser”. I kneed him and he ripped my shirt. I managed to get to the door and run out. What saved me was that he was naked and didn’t want to be naked in the hall. I was nineteen and to this day, I still think about it. As I watch the Kavanaugh hearing all 8 hours, I cried and cried. I’ll never forget that I was almost raped, and I had no one to tell. I still say I am a survivor. I am happy married 35 years with 2 very successful children., from a first marriage, but I never told my 1st husband for fear that he would shame me and hold it against e. I did tell my second husband. Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story.
— Antoinette, age 67
I am so proud of you for perservering in your life and overcoming this. Amazing. Thank you for finding the courage to tell your second husband and putting your story out here like this. I hope it helps you find some sort of ease, even if for a moment, as you set an example for young women like me that it’s absolutely possible to lead a happy life after these scary things have happened to you. I’m so sorry it happened in the first place, but just know millions of women and men are so proud of you.
Thank you Ms Antoinette for your amazing story. You are a role model for us all! That happened it sounds like in the 1960’s when it was even harder than today to feel comfortable standing up for oneself, yet you did! Physically attacked your would-be rapist!! And awesome children and family! Thank you again for your wonderful story of success and bravery!
Dear Antoinette – thank you so much for sharing your story. What happened to you was not your fault and I’m grateful that you have been able to share here and with your 2nd husband. You ABSOLUTELY should use the term survivor if that is what feels right to you. You were sexually assaulted and you deserve to use that term. 100%. The Kavanaugh news has brought up A LOT for a lot of people so please know you are not alone in that. I would encourage you to talk to someone if you’re struggling. You could find a therapist or a close friend to talk to or call a rape crisis hotline (which is just a name – you don’t have to have been raped or be in crisis to call them). Talking will allow you to work through what you’re feeling. Sending you lots of love and support, Alexis