Payton’s Story

A small town-college girl, that’s what I was. I spent my time working about sixty hours per week and didn’t have much ‘free time’. I adored my family and my friends, so I spent time with them any chance that I got. 

On March 24th, 2019, my life changed forever. And, I have not been the same ‘happy-go-lucky’ girl since then. On this night, I went out for tacos and to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was a large group of people... some people were my friends, others were strangers. We celebrated with food, drinks, and music. 

After a really fun night, I went back to a friend’s house to stay the night there. My friend made sure I made it to bed safe and sound -- and then we parted ways. After being fast asleep for hours, all I remember is being forced under this stranger’s body. 

He was one of the guys from dinner. He was supposed to be sleeping on the couch in the living room. 

He told me to “be quiet” and that I “like(d) it” over and over and over again. I was sobbing. I was petrified. 

I truly thought it was a bad nightmare. After he was done forcing himself inside of me and abusing my body, I ran out as quickly as possible covered in blood and drenched in tears. 

I had no idea what to do or who to call. I thought this only happened in scary movies or big cities. I never in a million years thought I would be a victim of rape. 

I called my mom at approximately 3:45 a.m. and rushed to the emergency room. After being raped by this attacker, the nurses, police, investigators, and doctors then had to examine the damage he caused to my body. 

I felt so degraded and vulnerable at that moment. I felt like my soul had left my body. 

I knew that I never wanted this attacker to hurt anyone else. I did my part and continued pressing charges. I hated him. I wanted the absolute worst for him. I wanted him to feel the same mental and physical pain that I had felt. 

I have never been the same since then.

But, for months, the grief and trauma were truly eating me alive. For my own sake, I had to forgive him. I finally started praying for him and for his relationship with God. This helped me grow stronger in my faith and continue to move forward with the trauma. 

The trial is still ongoing, and I will continue to fight for myself and fellow survivors for as long as I live. 

There are days where I question—“why me?”—But, God has given me the confidence to help fellow survivors and share my story. God has given me the compassion to listen to others and the boldness to face my attacker in court. 

So, I may not be the same girl I was before, but I am stronger than ever now. I will, now, forever fight for rape and sexual assault survivors.