As I’m sure the beautiful and talented actress Kimleigh Smith can attest to, sexual assault does not only affect any one person; this horrific crime can happen to any person and any gender. April of 2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, where the country advocates for preventing sexual assault and education on reporting measures our strong survivors can take. Even though this event is acknowledged one month a year, its importance should be sought every day.
From “Shameless” to “Bad Words” to “The Princess Diaries,” Kimleigh Smith inspires many people around the world, but not just as a multi-award-winning performer and best-selling author, but also as a survivor. Kimleigh is an overall inspirational powerhouse that uses her life-long stories of self-destructive behavior and deep trauma to encourage. This compassionate human being uses her past to motivate others by helping them to unmask their superhero within and live the life they dream of.
At only the age of 17 years old, Kimleigh became a victim of sexual assault. She was invited to a party as a cheerleader by the college football team of the school she was attending when she, unfortunately, was gang-raped. While this is no experience any person would want involvement in, she now uses this to advocate for others her sex positivity. Her gift for helping others see the best in themselves drove her desire to become a life coach and a speaker. Kimleigh uses her media production and management company, Embrace Your Cape Enterprises, to change and transform the way we view the world.
Embrace Your Cape Non-Profit was born from Kimleigh’s desire to heal the cycle of sexual abuse and violence. As she began her coaching journey speaking to the world and sharing her story, she witnessed that sexual assault and violence was the symptom of a greater cause. Most victims don’t get the help they need for their recovery until adulthood, which comes after years of self-destruction due to the trauma growing roots and negatively lasting impacts on one’s life. Embrace Your Cape Non-Profit teaches communities how to build a safe environment that heals even the youngest victim. This program has healed many and made valuable impacts on lives through opening conversations in a new way and taking actions that create lasting changes.
We all have a story to tell, no matter how bad it may be or sound. Even if you don’t have a story to share, you can help others by becoming active and raising awareness in your community. Rape is the most under-reported crime in the country, as only about 37% of sexual assault crimes are reported to the police. Whether they report or not, victims need to know that they are not alone, and healing can occur in their past traumas.
One way to become involved today is by simply sharing social media posts and statistics regarding sexual assault. Other methods include donating to local victim service agencies or donating your phone to survivors of domestic violence and or sexual assault who may have no additional reporting capability. You can also lobby your representatives to ensure they know that you and your community want legislation that will provide support to survivors. Your voice matters, and what you do, despite how little the step you take may seem, can significantly change someone else’s life for the better. You never know who may see that social media post on your timeline that could lead to the help that they desperately need.
For more on Kimleigh Smith, stay tuned for the final season of the Emmy Award-winning show “Shameless.” You can also catch Kimleigh on her Instagram live, speaking on topics related to Sex Positivity as well as her recurring guest star role as Mrs. Hall in “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” on Freeform.
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