A Hawaii survivor is speaking publicly about her recovery and pushing for more places where people can talk openly — a hopeful story, but one that highlights how hard coming forward still is.

• Julia Hawthorne, assaulted last summer in her hometown, says she lost her sense of self and is still rebuilding.
• Fear of being disbelieved or having the accusation turned against them keeps many survivors silent.
• The Sex Abuse Treatment Center at Kapiolani Medical Center takes anyone, no matter how long ago the assault happened.
• Its services include medical care, crisis counseling, and a 24-hour hotline; most universities also list campus resources.
• Hawthorne wants more healing and women's circles in schools, without the stigma of being seen as "woo woo."

Outlook: Advocates expect demand for support to keep growing as public attention stays on the issue, with the main barrier being stigma rather than a lack of services.