The Healing Power of Abstract Art

January 28 was the year anniversary of a lonely evening, and a bad decision that led to me being drugged, assaulted and sexually assaulted while visiting Palm Springs.

After I went public about my experience, other victims came forward. My attacker was arrested in May on charges involving five victims.

On February 2, a preliminary hearing was held in which the judge determined there was sufficient evidence to go to trial on all charges plus additional charges in other assaults. I believe there are now 11 victims involved, with additional charges pending. (There is still an open investigation involving the death of a man in the company of my assailant.)

This one bad decision led to a difficult year. The assault was deeply traumatizing and destabilizing. I hope the upcoming trial will provide resolution for me and others who were harmed, and their families.

I am not proud of my decision to seek online companionship, although I know hundreds of thousands of people do it every day. The truth is, one never knows who might show up at the door or what their true intent may be. It had been a long time since I did that, and I don’t care to do it again.

I am proud of my decision to seek medical help and police involvement once was I able to do so. Because of that, police were alerted to the predator. I am proud I was open about what happened; that gave other victims courage to come forward and understand they were not alone, that their experiences were not isolated.

I have received 20 threats from an outside accomplice since my attacker’s arrest. The latest came on the year anniversary. I will be glad when this is over.

Thanks to the many friends who supported me, in the immediate aftermath of the attack and through the difficult year since. I am very grateful.