"Survivors of sexual assault are four times more likely to contemplate suicide, as opposed to those who haven’t experienced sexual violence.

For this month’s Survivor Spotlight, Speakers Bureau members Dave O’Connell and Karen Harrison share their stories of recovery from sexual violence and suicidal ideation.

Dave O’Connell

Sexual abuse survivor DaveDave O’Connell suffered from many different kinds of physical and sexual abuse while growing up, sometimes at the hands of family members and sometimes by an older man who befriended and then groomed him. After years of enduring abuse, Dave struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression. “I work every day to overcome depression and face the fears of my past,” he says.

He now uses these painful experiences to help others who may have suffered from similar kinds of abuse. Through writing a book, volunteering and being an active member of the RAINN Speakers Bureau, Dave is able to let…