“My name is Eva, I am 20 yrs old. Many people see me as an epilepsy advocate, which I wholeheartedly am. But, many don’t know that I was sexually assaulted when I was 17 - so I support all people who have been harassed and/or assaulted, and will always believe the person if they say they were abused. I didn't talk about my assault for three years, because I was scared, ashamed, anxious, and lost all my control and worth. I've had an eating disorder, since I was 14 (but in recovery for almost 2 years!), and diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 13. My ED increased when I was assaulted, because both eating disorders and sexual assaults are stigmatized with shame, ugliness, and victimization. Three years later, I recounted my experiences to my psychologist, my mother, and three of my closest friends. I found the most valuable thing you can do for a survivor is to listen, not judge or blame them. To listen to what happened, support, understand, and let them know it was not their fault, because they're sharing one of the most terrifying experiences of their life. When people came forward and spoke of their sexual assaults in the entertainment industry, and how they wanted other survivors to speak up. My opinion is, don't force someone to speak of something they're not ready to share, and just be there when they are ready. No matter if it's 3 minutes, 3 months, or 3 years after their assault - do not blame yourself, do not let others blame you, it matters, you matter. The teal awareness necklace reminds me how far I have come, and how far I have to go to accomplish my dreams of being a clinical psychologist. I am not a victim, I am a survivor.” @evaviolet