14-04-2025
Twin sisters share their sexual assault experience
HOLT, Mich. (WLNS) — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and to help raise public awareness, 6 News sat down with two sisters who shared their experience and journey to forgiveness.
'So, the journey started rough, messy, but I think through hard work, through mentorship, through counseling. I think all of us as siblings were able to take a very messy situation and turn into the message we have today, and that is healing is possible,' said Ceci Bordayo.
Ceci and her twin sister, Priscilla Bordayo, say they were both victims of sexual assault.
'During that time, it was just a difficult time when you're trying to navigate just life in general,' said Priscilla.
Priscilla says she was just 12 years old when it happened and that the abuse altered her life.
'Just being abused really changed my life in a negative way. I feel like I just had a lot of insecurities. Made a lot of bad choices out of a hurt place. I feel like I've come a long way from like being victimized to truly being like a victor and overcoming it,' said Priscilla.
Priscilla now lives by a special motto that helps her reach out to other assault victims, 'I truly believe that hurt people hurt people, but healed people, heal people, and I've just been very dedicated, not only my own healing, but helping other victims who've been affected by sexual assault heal. So they, too themselves can also be victors.'
Ceci says her story started when she was around seven years old, and her way of healing was through songwriting.
'I'm a church kid. So, I just started writing music, and that was just kind of my escape, and express really the pain that I was holding onto,' said Ceci.
Erin Roberts, Therapy Team Supervisor at Michigan State Univeristy, says to watch out for signs that someone you know may have experienced trauma.
'Somebody isolates a bit more, they become more quiet. There may be a lack of trust. They might change in how they're operating. Maybe they're skipping class. Maybe they're missing work,' said Roberts.
She says the best way to support a victim is to simply believe them, 'Most important in that moment that they are believed and making the space to listen. Don't do as much talking. Listen and support.'
After a long journey of reconciliation and forgiveness, Priscilla wants to remind victims that they're not alone.
'I really encourage victims to share with someone that they trust. Share their story and their voice is very powerful. You can actually turn your pain into purpose by sharing your story. The best gift you can give yourself is to heal and to forgive,' said Priscilla.
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