At the age of fourteen, Eliina was sexual assaulted by an internet predator. She worked 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 The Academy of Art University 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 has an AA in Photography and a BA in Psychology. Eliina will be pursuing her masters degree next year in counseling and is currently working as Mental Health Counselor, QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) in the Washington DC area.
July 2011 - Eliina was interviewed by the Associated Press
AP Article
Eliina spoke with Marie Claire Magazine about Rape Kits
Marie Claire Magazine
Eliina's Testimonies Submitted to Congress
Testimony to Congress October 2009 - IMPROVING ASSISTANCE TO DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE VICTIMS ACT OF 2009
Testimony to Congress June 2009 On The Continued Importance of The Violence Against Women Act
Eliina Spoke on the Radio 11/2009
KPFK in Los Angeles regarding the Roman Polanski Trial
Eliina appeared on The Dr. Keith Ablow Show in 2006 to raise awareness of Internet Dangers.
