Auckland Quarry assault survivor running New York marathon for a cause

Approximately 1 in 5 New Zealand women experience a serious sexual assault. For some women, this happens more than once. (www.helpauckland.org.nz/get-info/statistics) On the 26th of February I became part of these shocking statistics, as I was abducted and assaulted at an Auckland quarry.(http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/90194514/cctv-footage-brings-new-developments-to-riverhead-assault-case)

Today's world is a whirlwind of media. Each day we are exposed to devastating and shocking stories from around the world, which are often sensationalised. I believe we are becoming desensitised to the suffering faced by individuals affected by abuse. Whether it be sexual assault, physical violence, or homelessness, the magnitude of these issues - and the effect they have on someone life, is often overlooked. As a country we need to address the fact that these are not just numbers, we are faces. We are your daughter's and son's. Your mothers and fathers. Your sisters and brothers and your friends.

On the 5th of November, I am participating in the New York Marathon for past, present and future survivors. One of whom wrote to me "Life is woven from many different experiences. Experiences that can rip us asunder whilst others allow our spirits to soar. My life has been woven of such experiences and what happened to me does not define nor confine me. If anything it has given me substance."

Participating in this marathon is extremely meaningful for me, as I had always planned to run a marathon this year - and I refuse to let my offender dictate my life.

I have chosen to donate the proceeds to the Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation and HELP Auckland, both of whom provide a hugely important support system for victims of sexual assault. HELP Auckland sent someone to support me at the hospital from the minute I arrived on the night of my assault. For this I couldn't be more grateful.

Upon arriving at the hospital, I explained what had happened to the lovely detective, which was an overwhelming experience in itself. I was then confronted with the reality that I would have to be photographed, x-rayed, scanned, drug tested, swabbed, have my finger nails removed and so on, all before I was able to consume anything, or be cleaned up to ensure evidence preservation. HELP ensured that I was aware of what was going on, what was to come and that I was as comfortable as I could be. HELP even made sure that these procedures were completed and my face was cleaned up before my parents arrived - as I didn't want them seeing the state it was in. HELP stayed with me as I got transferred to the sexual assault clinic for further examination. Following an event where all control has been stripped from you, to regain some sense of control is extremely important and I will never forget the service and support I received from them.

On the 26th of February I fought extremely hard for my life, something I wish everyday that no one else will have to do. Sadly that is not the reality, but your donation will help make the recovery of future survivors the best it possibly can be. If you are not in a financial position where you are able to donate, below are several other meaningful ways to help fight New Zealand's dark underbelly of abuse.

Although the election is over, voting for change is extremely important - The Opportunities Party's Criminal Justice Policy focuses on 'positive justice' in prisons to decrease re-offending rates (http://www.top.org.nz/top13)

We also need to spread awareness of the importance of sexual consent, start having the conversation - or go further and purchase a ‘NOPE’ T-Shirt from NOPESISTERS charity business (www.facebook.com/nopesisters) whose aim is to "empower survivors of sexual violence and abuse while also giving profits to our partner charity Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation''

Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation and HELP Auckland are still playing a part in my recovery today. Please show your support so we can fight our shocking statistics. Every bit counts. Thank you.