“Perpetrators are breathing a sigh of relief.”

By: Danielle Tansino

*Content Warning : suicide & sexual assault

I recently shared the deeply retraumatizing experience I had with a DA that almost led me to swerve my car into a ditch. What I didn't mention was that, when she walked me out, she explained that the "good" part of them not prosecuting my rapist was that if at some point in the future another victim came forward they would be more likely to charge him...and have a better chance of a conviction.

This was far from comforting...largely because I knew most survivors don't report. So, even if he did perpetrate again (as most rapists do), it was unlikely I'd ever know...or that he would ever face consequences.

This was a big part of what drew me to Callisto...that one day this could change, both for other survivors and for myself.

With the recent news that we would likely be forced to close our doors due to funding issues, it has been hard to shake the image of how many perpetrators are silently breathing a sigh of relief. In addition to being inspired by student survivors like Ray Epstein, it's that image that motivates me to continue to fight.

If you think this is an unsolvable problem and there's nothing you can do to make a difference. Please know you are wrong. You can help Save Callisto.