Shocked and horrified, I left my very first job interview with the superintendent of a small school district in LA, not being fully able to grasp the fact that I had just been sexually assaulted. I had been seeking a teaching position, that if pursued, would have allowed me my dream job – working with multiply handicapped preschoolers. Needless to say, that dream was not to be fulfilled. I wanted no more to do with that school and the district associated with this unwanted attack.

Unfortunately in those days – the early 1970’s – sexual assault was not talked about. I felt totally powerless to do anything about what had happened to me. This was not considered a crime; there was no one to report this to; no one would be punished. I was left to question what had happened, what had I done wrong, was I to blame? There was no one to go to for support and certainly no counseling services to help me deal with the pain and loss.

Many years later, I came to know that I was a victim. It was not my fault. And the tears I shed now for my young, innocent self motivate me to join with Strength United to insure that no other victim goes without all the support and counseling that will lead to his/her healing. I am so grateful to all those who are a part of this incredibly important organization and who give of themselves in so many ways to help bring about healing to victims in our community.

Charlie’s Story

It breaks my heart to know what happened to Nancy and to see that so many women and children in our community are raped, sexually assaulted and abused. Every month we have over 70 come to our Family Justice Center for investigatory exams and crisis intervention. More than half of these are children. Add to this the number of women who are battered and children who are physically and emotionally abused and neglected and it’s simply shocking! I’m walking to make a statement that this has to stop; we have to change; we as a community are better than that. And I know that since 1985 when I first started Strength United through CSUN, we have been tirelessly dedicated to doing that. Please help me support the work Strength United does in providing counseling and much needed support to survivors of rape and sexual assault and to children who have been abused and their parents and adoptive parents who need our help to raise their children in loving and violence free homes. I greatly appreciate whatever you can give to this most worthy cause.