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May 17, 2010

Michelle Sleight was five years old when her 30-year-old cousin first began to sexually abuse her. However, Sleight was unable to speak up for herself, and the sexual abuse continued for over 11 years. Finally, more than three decades later, she was able to confront her abuser, reports the News & Record.

In March of 2009 Sleight decided she was ready to take back control of her life, which was still plagued by the horrors of her childhood. She called to police and they arrested her cousin.

The survivor hopes that speaking out will inspire other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and share their stories.

"There is hope," she told the news source. "Don't be subject to the fear that the perpetrator has imposed on you because there is hope and justice for you, too."

Survivors of sexual abuse often feel isolated and alone. There are many organizations dedicated to helping and supporting sexual abuse survivors.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) is one of the largest organizations that works to support sexual abuse victims and to educate the public about ways to prevent sex abuse. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline which is a 24/7 confidential phone service. The hotline has helped over 1 million individuals since it began in 1994.

RAINN also helps in locating local crisis centers for victims so that they can get the proper counseling and treatment. According to the organization, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. They also report that a sexual assault occurs every two minutes in the United States.

Armed with these statistics, RAINN is leading efforts to improve sexual assault laws and policies in the United States and abroad.

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