Begin Again: A Survivor's Journey
Your nervous system is a canvas waiting for brushstrokes. Developing new nerve pathways are part of the brilliance of neuroplasticity. You have the capacity to envision a future full of promise.
Stephanie's Story: From Survivor to Guide
My name is Stephanie Anderson, and I am a survivor of childhood sexual exploitation. From ages 9 to 17, I experienced trauma that would shape the trajectory of my life—but not define it.
For years, I carried the weight of what happened to me. I believed my trauma was my identity. But through my own healing journey, I discovered something profound: what happens to us is not our identity. What we experience does not indicate limitations to our potential—it is simply a snapshot in a sentence captured within a chapter of life.
This realization transformed everything. I began to see myself not as a victim, but as a survivor with agency, strength, and the capacity to create meaningful change. My nervous system, once dysregulated by trauma, became a canvas for healing. Through understanding neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to form new pathways—I learned that recovery is possible. That resilience can be built. That a future full of promise is not just a dream, but an achievable reality.
"Your nervous system is a canvas waiting for brushstrokes. Developing new nerve pathways are part of the brilliance of neuroplasticity. You have the capacity to envision a future full of promise."
In 2002, I began an apprenticeship in neurodevelopment to support my young son who was diagnosed with autism. This education opened my eyes to how trauma affects the developing brain—knowledge that became the foundation of my life's work.
I was inspired by the writings of Brother Lawrence, who envisioned a tree stripped of leaves in winter and saw the promise of new leaves to come. This metaphor became central to how I help survivors: we are not permanently damaged. We are in a season of recovery, and new growth is coming.
My apprenticeship led to extensive mentoring work with survivors through Traffick Refuge, with incarcerated individuals, reentry organizations, and sobriety houses. I witnessed firsthand the power of trauma-informed care and neurobiological understanding.
Today, I provide professional training in neurodevelopment and trauma-response for victim service providers, first responders, and the Department of Corrections. But my greatest work remains here—helping survivors like you envision and create a future full of promise.
"Our power lies not in controlling external circumstances, but in choosing how we respond to them."
This is the principle that guides everything I do. You have survived. You have resilience. You have the capacity to choose your path forward. Begin Again is here to support you on that journey.
Services for Your Healing Journey
Personalized coaching grounded in neuroplasticity principles. Develop resilience, set meaningful goals, and build the capacity to create lasting change in your life.
- ✓Goal-setting and vision building
- ✓Neuroplasticity-based exercises
- ✓Building supportive relationships
$60-120 per session
Address sensory dysregulation from trauma through evidence-based techniques. Learn grounding strategies and environmental modifications to support your healing.
- ✓Sensory profile assessment
- ✓Grounding and regulation techniques
- ✓Free worksheets available
$75-150 per session
Begin Again Through Creativity
Monthly creative gatherings in survivor-only spaces. No artistic experience necessary—it's about the process of inspiration, hope, and connection with others on similar journeys.
Express your journey through visual art. Create, explore, and discover new possibilities through the creative process.
Find your voice through poetry. Share your story, listen to others, and heal through the power of words.
Tell your story. Writing can be a powerful tool for processing trauma and envisioning your future.
Several Saturdays a year we provide survivor-only spaces for creative healing and connection.
Additional Support Programs
Join our Sunday evening discussions on ILEAD leadership topics. Self-paced development course available with flexible scheduling.
- ✓Weekly Sunday evening meetings
- ✓Multiple topics to choose from
- ✓Free or low-cost options
Email [email protected] with SUBJECT: Leadership Course
Learn practical safety strategies and awareness techniques designed specifically for survivors. Empowering education for your protection and peace of mind.
- ✓Practical safety strategies
- ✓Awareness and prevention
- ✓Survivor-centered approach
Connecting Monthly
Join our monthly mailing list to stay connected with the Begin Again community. Receive updates on creative events, support groups, and survivor-focused resources.
We respect your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Get in Touch
The Justice Gap: Reporting vs. Prosecution
Understanding the stark reality of sexual assault accountability in the United States
Less than 1 in 3 sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement. This means approximately 66% of sexual assaults go unreported, leaving survivors without formal support and perpetrators without accountability.
Of the reported cases, only 18% result in arrest. This means for every 100 sexual assaults reported to police, only 18 lead to an arrest—leaving 82 cases without even an initial law enforcement response.
Of all reported sexual assaults, only 2.8% result in a felony conviction. For every 1,000 sexual assaults reported, only 28 result in a felony conviction—meaning 972 cases result in no felony conviction.
For every 1,000 sexual assaults reported to police, only 25 perpetrators are sentenced to prison. This means 975 perpetrators face no prison sentence for their crime.
The Justice Funnel: 1,000 Sexual Assaults
Tracking what happens to reported sexual assaults through the criminal justice system
660 assaults go unreported
279 reported cases result in no arrest
312 arrested cases don't result in felony conviction
975 perpetrators face no prison time
Key Findings & Implications
66% of sexual assaults go unreported. Survivors cite fear, shame, distrust of law enforcement, and concerns about not being believed as primary reasons for not reporting.
This means the vast majority of sexual violence never enters the criminal justice system at all.
97.2% of reported sexual assaults don't result in felony conviction. Factors include insufficient evidence, victim recantation, case dismissal, and challenges in prosecution.
Even when cases reach trial, conviction rates remain significantly lower than other felonies.
Prosecution rates vary dramatically by jurisdiction. Some cities prosecute less than 4% of reported sexual assaults, while others achieve higher rates through specialized units and victim advocacy.
Access to justice depends significantly on where the assault occurs.
DNA evidence increases case outcomes. When DNA matches a suspect, 75% of cases result in guilty plea or trial conviction, compared to less than 33% without DNA.
However, many rape kits remain untested, limiting this advantage.
Data Sources
- • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Statistics on criminal justice system response (August 2025)
- • CDC (Centers for Disease Control): Sexual violence prevalence data (December 2025)
- • NBC News Investigation: Sex assault conviction analysis across major U.S. cities (January 2025)
- • U.S. Sentencing Commission: Federal sexual abuse sentencing statistics (FY 2024)
- • University of Massachusetts Lowell: Research on arrest rates for reported sexual assaults
- • Council on Criminal Justice: Crime trends and sexual assault reporting rates (2025 Update)
Why These Statistics Matter
Understanding the justice gap is crucial for survivors, advocates, and policymakers. These statistics highlight the systemic barriers that prevent accountability and justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available—whether or not you choose to report to law enforcement.
Resources: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (available 24/7) | Online chat at rainn.org
How to use this infographic:
- • Share on social media to raise awareness
- • Use in presentations and educational materials
- • Print for advocacy and outreach events
- • Include in newsletters and reports
Data Sources:
RAINN, CDC, NBC News, U.S. Sentencing Commission, University of Massachusetts Lowell