We see the glamorous side of celebrities on screen, yet hide their private lives full of dark secrets remained hidden behind-the-scenes. Rose McGowan, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie were one of few of many women to speak up against sexual harassment/assault. Twitter trend #metoo was inspired by the harsh reality that many face and has been an online outlet for all women: career professionals, politicians, artists, and even high school girls.

A few high school students, some who are our very own Wizards, whose identities will remain anonymous to protect their privacy, have agreed to share their stories in hopes it will help others who have dealt with or are dealing with any form of sexual assault.  One source, a former student,  allowed us to use her name. The following stories may contain graphic and/or sensitive material.

“I was ten years old when my uncle raped me… multiple times. He was my babysitter, and I was so young I didn’t understand how wrong it was. When I came out as being sexually assaulted, my mom told me she didn’t believe me. My grandma told me that I was hurting her by saying I was sexually assaulted by her son. To this day I get scared when people I’m not close to come close to me.” -Anonymous

“I decided to join an online dating app for gay and bisexual men. I was talking to a nice guy and he invited me to his place to hang out. He ordered me an uber and everything. We started talking and things escalated from there. He started doing things I was uncomfortable with and I pushed him off. He questioned my motives for coming but then proceeded to do what he was doing. I decided to leave and took the bus. I felt used. We didn’t talk after that. If I said no, it meant no. After that, I didn’t want to put myself in a dangerous situation. My advice to others is to not put yourself in a position that could harm you.” -Anonymous

“I loved walking alone when going to and from school because it gave me time to chill and listen to music. I noticed cars slowing down next to me, and on the third time, one driver cut off my walkway, stared me up and down, and told me to get in his car. I panicked, so I ran across a busy street until he sped off. Some blamed me for my skirt which was not even short. Ever since then, I didn’t want to walk home alone again. When I did walk alone, I dressed down because I didn’t want to ‘attract unwanted attention’. I eventually got over my fear but I’m still very cautious everytime I walk alone.” -Anonymous

“I went on dates with a guy that I really liked. I knew he only wanted one thing and that should’ve been a red flag. One night around 8:30, we were making out and he wanted more. But I wasn’t comfortable. He got mad and insulted [slut shamed] and blamed me for not giving him what he expected from me. I said no multiple times. He grabbed me by my pant belt, turned my back to his chest, and put his hands inside me. I was scared–it caught me by surprise. I pushed away again and he laughed. I felt numb, I blamed myself for what happened, we didn’t talk after that. It took time, a lot of months, to realize it wasn’t my fault. He did things without asking for consent. I thought by giving him what he wanted, he’d like me back. But I was taken advantage of. I was scared to tell my parents. I didn’t tell anyone. I sought help with a therapist, and I’ve been going for about a month now. I want others to know that what happened to you does not make you weak, and always be careful.” -Anonymous

“I went to a party in Compton, LA where my family and friends resided. My cousin told me about a guy renting a room in her place and gave him my number without my permission. I thought he was around my age, but he was actually in his thirties which I was upset about. We talked via text message and he told me he wanted to get to know me. I ended up seeing him at another party. Everyone was drinking and I was sitting inside the house on the couch with my cousin. He asked if he could sit with me, which I kindly rejected. He offered me a beer and asked if I wanted another one. I finished the beer and needed to use the restroom, I felt very tipsy. He helped me up, touching my rear-end. I was uncomfortable and told him I was fine. Just seconds after I walked to the restroom, he forcefully kissed me. He held me so close to his face that I couldn’t scream because I was so numb. He pressed himself against me so hard I couldn’t move. After two minutes of that, I gained consciousness of what was happening and hit him and told him to get off of me. I cried and ran to the sink to throw up and washed my mouth out. He then left to his room. I stood in the kitchen, crying, not knowing what to do, because I was afraid. I felt that no one would believe me because I socialized a lot. To this day, I still haven’t had the courage to speak up because he had a daughter and didn’t want her to be away since he was the only figure in her life. I kept silent for the better, at least what I think is better for me.” -Anonymous

“Around this time last year, I had to walk home, and it was dark. I noticed a guy was following me. This continued on for about two streets and he started walking faster to get close to me. After ignoring him, he decided to walk next to me and asked me, ‘Can I ask you something,’ and I was so scared. I couldn’t ignore him so I said yes. He said, “okay, is nine inches big enough for you?” I stayed quiet, and he repeated the question. So I said, “I don’t know.” He stayed quiet after and then walked with me for two more minutes until I decided to cross the street to avoid him. I had to call my mom because I was so scared. I haven’t walked home in the dark since then.” -Katherine Salazar, Class of 2017

Many of these stories have been shared for the first time. Sexual assault and harassment happens to anybody. It comes with psychological trauma that cannot be erased away. These stories were shared by these people in hopes to raise awareness and help others who may be going through the same thing.

Here are a few resources provided where you can seek help that are located in Santa Ana.