Gina’s Journey: Finding Hope & Healing Through The Turning Point

At The Turning Point, our mission is to walk alongside survivors of sexual violence with compassion and comprehensive care. In recognition of North Texas Giving Day (9.18.25), we’re sharing a composite story shaped by the real experiences of our clients to show how vital your support is in their journey toward healing.

Support our mission today with a donation. Your contribution ensures that we can continue to offer these life-changing services to those who need them most. Every dollar matters — and right now, every dollar is doubled thanks to a $25,000 matching donor. Together, we can fill critical funding gaps and ensure survivors continue receiving the care and advocacy they deserve.

“Gina’s” story reflects the experiences of countless individuals we’ve had the honor to serve and demonstrates the life-changing impact of every step in our holistic approach to recovery.

Gina’s Story

Gina is a fun, outgoing, and driven young woman—full of life and energy. She recently earned a well-deserved promotion at work and quickly gained a reputation as someone who always “gets the work done.” Things were looking bright for her future.

In her new role, Gina met a coworker she clicked with right away. Over the following weeks, their friendship grew—they worked side by side, often hung out after hours, and she felt she could trust him. But one day, that trust was shattered when he sexually assaulted her.

Now, Gina felt confused, scared, and betrayed. Work became awkward and painful; she no longer knew if she should tell someone or protect the person, he once considered a friend. Her confidence and peace of mind were gone.

One day, a representative from The Turning Point came to Gina’s workplace to give a presentation. It was then that Gina realized she didn’t have to carry this alone—there was a safe place where she could turn for help and healing. That day, she called The Turning Point.

How The Turning Point Restored Hope & Healing

:: 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline

Gina’s first step was reaching out to our hotline. Our trained advocates listened with compassion, explained her options, and reassured her she was not alone. They helped her take the next steps, including setting up an exam. In that moment, Gina felt a sense of relief—someone believed her, someone was standing by her side. For the first time since the assault, she realized there was a path forward. The hotline gave her more than resources; it gave her courage, clarity, and the assurance that healing was possible. With every word of encouragement, she began to feel her strength return. What once felt like an isolating burden now became a shared journey toward hope and healing.

::A Compassionate Sexual Assault Exam

At Courtney’s Safe Place, our on-site forensic clinic, Gina was met with warmth and dignity. In a private, trauma-informed environment—not a crowded ER—she received care from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) alongside one of our advocates. The exam not only addressed her medical needs but also preserved evidence, giving her the choice to pursue legal action later if she wished. Gina was relieved to be in a space designed specifically for survivors, where her comfort and voice came first. Our advocate explained each step in clear, supportive language so she felt informed and in control.

::Medical & Legal Advocacy

Throughout this process, a Turning Point advocate was by Gina’s side, providing emotional support, walking her through her rights, and helping her navigate law enforcement conversations. She no longer felt silenced—she felt seen, heard, and supported. The advocate helped Gina prepare for what to expect in each conversation so she would never feel caught off guard. When difficult emotions surfaced, the advocate reminded her that her feelings were valid and that she was not alone in facing them. Having someone in her corner gave Gina the confidence to speak her truth without fear of judgment. She began to recognize her own resilience, realizing that reaching out for help was not weakness but courage. With steady guidance and compassionate advocacy, Gina felt empowered to take each step forward at her own pace.

::Trauma Counseling

Gina began counseling with our experienced therapists, where she learned tools to process her trauma and rebuild her sense of self. Through therapies like EMDR and group sessions, she found community, regained her confidence, and began to heal emotionally. Each session gave her a safe space to release the heavy emotions she had been carrying in silence. She discovered that healing was not a straight line, but with support, she could move forward little by little. Connecting with other survivors reminded her that she wasn’t alone, and their shared strength became a source of encouragement. Over time, Gina’s laughter and light began to return, and she could envision a future defined not by her trauma, but by her resilience and hope.

::Violence Prevention Workshops

Over time, Gina found empowerment by participating in our prevention workshops—learning about boundaries, consent, and healthy relationships. She began to use her story to encourage others and contribute to a culture of prevention. Sharing her voice not only inspired those around her but also reinforced her own healing. She realized that by speaking out, she was breaking the silence that often surrounds sexual violence. Each workshop gave her practical tools to advocate for safer spaces in her community and workplace. What once began as a painful chapter in her life became a powerful testimony of strength, growth, and the importance of prevention.

Why Your Support Matters

Gina’s journey—from confusion and fear to healing and empowerment—was made possible because The Turning Point was there when she needed it most. Her story is a testament to the resilience of survivors and the power of comprehensive support.

But Gina’s story is just one of many. Every day, we walk alongside survivors as they reclaim their voices and rebuild their lives.

This North Texas Giving Day, you can be part of that healing journey. Your donation ensures we can continue offering free, life-changing services to survivors in our community.

Join us in restoring hope and creating a safer tomorrow. Donate today.