Although she had a large group of supporters sitting in the gallery, she seemed so alone on the witness stand. As I saw her tears of sadness, turn into words of anger, I couldn't help but feel the transfer of feelings upon me. She had been victimized and now she had to re-call all of the details of her abuse. I felt sick to my stomach hearing the pain she had gone through. My eyes swelled with tears and my jaw clenched as the defense attorney tried to confuse her.
I admired the strength it took for her to stand there and tell her story to the public, her family, and her friends. But I also know that her life is changed for ever. The person she once called father, will never be that to her. Her innocent childhood was stolen away and replaced with weekly therapy sessions and long working hours to avoid thinking about what happened.
As a social worker, I have had my heart wrenching moments-and today was one of those days. But seeing the sense of relief that came from my client after her testimony, made me realize that she is a resilient and strong individual. And it gave me a sense of hope and realization that one day her golden cheer will return.
