(Some details have been modified. This testimony is used with the authorization of the person.)

Dora (22 years old) lives in a city in the center of Peru and is a member of an evangelical church. She wanted to share her story to help others who have been subjected to sexual violence:

"When I was nine, I lived in a “normal” home, my father being a professional and my mother working as a sales women from our home. In my home and in the neighborhood most people were men, with the only exception of my sister and I, so we always played with boys. For me, playing with boys was normal until the day that a teenager locked me in a room with him and starting touching me in such an ugly way that I felt bad, dirty. I did not know that there was worst in store. One day, as I was going downstairs, this boy forced me and abused me sexually. From then on, I lived in constant terror. I was only nine years old when he raped me the first time. He was so cruel to me that first time and each time after for the next six months during which he kept on raping me. It is extremely painful for me to remember this. You cannot imagine how this affected my studies, my self-esteem, my whole being. For years I believed that I was worthless and that no man would want to marry me because of what had happened. The day that Jadak spoke in my church, I realized that others had suffered from similar experiences so I gathered my strength and told them my story. I thank God for having sent my brothers and sisters from Jadak. The pastor and professor hugged me as if they really understood how I felt. Then we prayed together. Now I know that God loves me tremendously and he put along my path people who know how I feel. They have helped me so much. I am not who I used to be; I feel restored, free, new, the old things have passed and now all is new. I still remember what happened, but it doesn’t hurt me anymore. Even my appearance has changed, and God has allowed me to serve my church on the worship team. I recommend to all those who have suffered from sexual abuse to tell someone their story, do not keep silent, do not feel guilty. You were not at fault."