122. Rosa: Dear John Stamos: A Letter for You (And Everyone Else)

If you know John Stamos (yes, the multi-time Emmy nominated actor, co-star of  TV’s “Full House,” and author of “If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir"), or if you know someone who does, please let him know there’s a letter waiting for him here, written by my guest on this week’s episode, Rosa:

****************************************************************************************  [Dear John and Everyone,]

If you would have told me back in 2005 when I was just 15 years old that John Stamos would write a book and make a viral video that would push me to take an important step in my life, I never would have believed you. John Stamos, you and I have so much in common. We are both diehard Disney fans and also childhood sexual assault victims.

As you recently mentioned at the D23 event, Disney fills us with a relentless belief that our dreams have no expiration date. No one should ever have to dream of getting justice or closure from a childhood sexual assault. Unfortunately, it happens to so many of us, including you and me.

 

Like you, there was also a time in my life where I didn't want to kill myself, but also didn't care if I died. And also like you, I'm so glad I didn't die. The best years of my life hadn't happened yet. I'm grateful that God gave us both many more beautiful years to experience. And I wish us both many healthy years filled with unexplainable joy better than we could ever imagine.

 

I was only 15 years old when my parents dropped the childhood sexual assault charges against the perpetrator. I had no say because I was a minor. For the longest time, I felt like I didn't belong in the world. I felt alone and unsupported by those who should have supported me the most. I felt angry. During those years, one of the few ways I found laughter, relief, and joy was by watching Full House reruns.

 

You made me laugh back then when it was nearly impossible to do so. Six years later, I began to rebuild my life little by little. Each year, I continue to experience more joy than the last. Your book and video gave me the final courage to reopen the case and press charges against the perpetrator.

I hope that one day I can hug you and thank you in person. But until then, I hope this reaches you so that you know just how much you helped me. Your video was the one missing piece I needed to take that final step for justice. I have so much love and respect for you, John. Thank you for speaking out. I hope my story helps someone like yours helped me.

This isn’t the only important message that Rosa wants to share; she’s on a mission to get Connecticut state lawmakers to change the statute-of-limitations law for sexual assault and rape victims, particularly child victims. There’s a back story here, so make sure you listen to this episode. It is critically important. 

And, while I’m asking for my listeners to fulfill my call-to-action, here’s another one: please, please share this episode. Just hit that copy button to send it to everyone you can think of, including Connecticut lawmakers. Especially if you live in Connecticut!

There’s a lot to this episode. I hope you listen to it. It won’t take much of your time, but it will definitely leave you feeling like you’ve heard something substantially worthwhile!

Thank you for being a SASS listener. Please subscribe to the show, then give it a five-star rating. This helps in the grand scheme of algorithms to increase the opportunity of more people to know about and listen to this important and powerful podcast. I hope you will also do your part to bring justice to victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. You can do that by sharing this episode with others, and that when you listen to others tell their story of rape or sexual assault, you’ll Start by Believing. Also, please follow the Instagram page of sexualassaultsurvivorstories. It also helps the show grow, which is what I hope to accomplish to help lessen the prevalence of rape and sexual assault, as well as the prevalence of rape culture that surrounds us all. It only takes a minute, and I truly appreciate your support.

And as always, listed below are some important and meaningful websites I hope you’ll take a look at and learn about.

Thanks again for listening!

https://www.survivor-school.com

https://www.arcigrey.com/survivorschool

www.arcigrey.com 

https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org

https://www.napanews.org/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-no-more-lady-veterans-stories-of-military/id1754061590

https://startbybelieving.org

https://evawintl.org/

https://safeinharmsway.org

[email protected]

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