Actor Gabrielle Union has effusively advocated for sexual assault victims since revealing she was assaulted during her teenage years. Union, who is currently married to NBA player Dwyane Wade, is now revealing how she overcame what she calls the “lowest moment of her life.”
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“At 19, I made a decision about who I was going to be in this world and what I would stand for and not stand for,” Union said during an appearance on the “Keep It!” podcast. She goes on to describe how the attack — which she felt would result in her death — completely altered her stance on confronting so-called bad guys. “Moving forward, I just wasn’t as afraid,” she said. Adding, “I almost died like can I get any lower death is lower but the only thing standing between me and death is losing my soul because I’m afraid of losing my position or things or access or whatever.”
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Union’s revelation on the “Keep It!” podcast wasn’t the first time she has spoken about her experience. In fact, the actor why she continues speaking out. “Each time I tell the story is a revelation that I need to keep sharing since there are so many more victims than survivors,” she explained. “They need to know healing is a process — a slow process like moving a boulder uphill with one hand tied behind your back, but there is hope.”
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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