DC Part 2: RAINN’s Congressional Day of Action/April 2025

Believe it or not, what I panicked most about was traveling alone.

I have night terrors. They aren’t fun, and usually I wake up trying to scream in a puddle of sweat. The scenario goes something like this- the non-triggering version: I’m in a foreign place, and can’t find my husband. Then I’m being dragged away my a man or men and I know what’s going to happen. I struggle with all my might, sometimes killing my kidnapper, sometimes not.

So, panicking about traveling alone was on my mind. A lot.

Once I got there, it was GAME ON! RAINN’s powerhouse of staff and volunteers were there in full force, ready to take on Capitol Hill! Meeting and reuniting with the women in front of The Supreme Court (where we all met and then walked together to Capitol Hill together) was one of the most memorable parts of the day. The sisterhood of Survivors, each treasure in our own ways, was both moving and beautiful. My nephew made a video of it and you can find it on my Facebook page, pinned to the top.

This year I was on a team meeting on the Senate side. Among our asks were: Take It Down, The SHIELD Act, the DEFIANCE Act, and the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act.

It was a day of laughter, of tears, of healing, and a lot of walking. Mostly, it was a symbol of victims reclaiming their power, many of us traveling great distances to come together and become a force of nature.

I want to thank RAINN for their endless and tireless activism.

I have to end with this:

If you need help due to sexual trauma, call 1 800 656 HOPE.

This is RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline, and someone is there for you if you are in crises. This line needs funding to operate, and I ask that you dig deep and add them to your charity list.

I love you RAINN. You gave me my power.