Forum

I vividly remember the day I delivered the Des Moines Register to my grandmother's home, where I had recently been featured in the paper discussing my experiences with sex abuse. Instead of the expected support, I was met with her anger and disappointment. It was a challenging moment, as my decision to speak out had strained our relationship. But, I held firm in my belief that raising awareness about the issue was more important than her disapproval. It was a poignant reminder that advocating for change can come with personal sacrifices, but it's a sacrifice worth making for a cause as crucial as this. My problem is, she knew it happened and made statements to the police about what she had seen.

That fateful day at the Women's Hall of Fame, I had no intention of interrupting the governor. Yet, the weight of the sex abuse bill's statute of limitations became too much to bear. Overwhelmed by the urgency of reform, a surge of emotions overcame me, and I found myself compelled to speak out. It was a moment of raw, unfiltered passion, born out of a deep-seated commitment to justice for survivors. Sometimes, our convictions push us to take unexpected actions, and that day, my dedication to this crucial cause led to a powerful and unforgettable interruption.