Content warning: This article deals with rape and sexual assault. The text doesn’t share explicit experiences. However, if this topic is potentially triggering, readers should click away now.
The Bachelorette’s own Katie Thurston spoke out on her experience as a rape victim on June 29. She hoped to offer help to those in need. In a post on Instagram, Katie spoke about the resources available to her immediately after her assault.
The resources available to Katie her as a rape victim
“The justice system continues to let down victims every day. I refuse to feel defeated in the strength it took to be an advocate for myself. I hope my experience will help those feel the strength and support they need. While I’m not ready to share my story, I want to share the valuable resources that saved my life.”
“I called 911 to report my rape. They sent an officer to take my statement and then drove me to a special medical center to perform a SART exam. I had two women with me. One was the nurse and the other my advocate.” Katie described these women as kind, nurturing, and patient. “I felt like a small lost child who was vulnerable and scared.”
Katie said that these women explained what would happen to her and gave her the option to “decline or change [her] mind at any time.” She delved into the medical care provided, including a blood test and Plan B. “This was all completed to me at no cost regardless [of] if I had insurance or not.”
Katie slams the “broken” justice system for failing her
Collecting DNA evidence and sending it to labs/law enforcement would take about four months. In the meantime, Katie sought mental health support. She saw a therapist and had an advocate available via text. She also explained the financial reimbursement for her care, as well as the potential “loss of income, moving expenses, medical bills, therapy, and more.”
Katie recommended the book Know My Name by Chanel Miller. “While I could only consume it in small doses at a time before nausea would hit, I also felt validation with each and every chapter. As far as justice goes, Katie said she “did everything [she] should have done as a victim of rape.” But despite providing all that she could, it seemed a guilty verdict never came down.
“This is not a loss to me,” Katie continued. “No, this is yet another loss in a broken system. Change happens in failure. And the justice system failed me. And continues to fail thousands every single day. But do not give up.” She encouraged readers to “Be your biggest advocate,” and reminded everyone of their strength and value. She closed with, “I believe in you.”
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24 hours every day at 1-800-656-4673. Help is available.
