Monday, July 4, 2011

Regaining My Voice: My Story

At the age of fourteen, Eliina was sexual assaulted by an internet predator. She worked tirelessly with the local police department and with the FBI to aid in the arrest of her attacker. Three years after the assault she had the opportunity to testify against him in Federal Court and see him be taken away in handcuffs to Federal Prison. In struggling with life after the trial Eliina turned to photography as a way of expression and healing. After graduating high school she attended Art School where Regain Your Voice was born. In 2004 Eliina found volunteers for her project who were willing to be photographed and to share their stories of sexual assault and childhood abuse. The project soon after was on display in Universities and in art galleries all over the state, raising awareness and giving other survivors the courage they needed to also share their stories, to regain their voice that was once lost. Eliina has also volunteered with many organizations to promote sexual assault awareness including being a RAINN Speakers Bureau Member and has shared her story to numerous media outlets by appearing on national television and telling her story to magazines, speaking out on the radio as well as submitting testimonies to Congress to help change current legislation for survivors.

Eliina is currently working on her first book, Diary of a Rape.

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