Shortly after the move, our lives changed forever. On March 14 a man entered our home, tied me up, placed duct tape over my eyes, and raped me at gunpoint. I pleaded with him, “Please don’t do this.” He coldly commanded me to “shut up.” He threatened my life and the life of my child should I resist or call the police. He left me bound, blinded and naked in that house that could never be called my home again.

The words “shut up” and threats to harm my daughter haunted me in the moments after he left. I faced an agonizing choice countless women have had to make: Do I speak out or remain silent? There were grave risks and unspeakable losses associated with either decision. I stood and opened the door.

My two dogs rushed in and began licking my wounds, prying at the duct tape over my eyes. A corner loosened, and I could see. A deep conviction took over. Silence meant spiritual and emotional death, keeping me forever bound and blinded, unable to be a mother, a wife, a professional and a human being with the capacity to thrive. With my hands tied behind my back, I found my phone and dialed 911.