Blog

By Patricia Adams

I was a couple of months away from 8th grade and my 14th birthday when I first watched Inside Out in a movie theater with my mother and younger sister. I recall appreciating the clever story and being able to picture my own “Family Island” and homes for the activities I cherished most– Ballet Island, Student Leadership Laguna, Church Group Grove. At the time, I recall the movie being a sweet story about a strong young girl, and relating to the emotions Riley felt, along with some other vague feelings that I didn’t yet fully understand. Just a few steps into my adulthood, I wouldn’t venture to say I fully understand my emotions now, but it has been special to grow alongside this duo of movies.  

By Adam Barber, McQuaid Jesuit Director of Service and Justice
FortKnight Blog
4 min read

You could hear the proverbial pin drop in the John H. Ryan, Jr. Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. The assembled high school students, faculty, and guests sat in focused silence as Steve Peacock, McQuaid Jesuit alumnus of the class of 1988, shared the story of his journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Donning his jersey from his time as a football Knight, Peacock courageously spoke of the consequences of the trauma he experienced, the impact on his relationships, and his ultimate choice to come forward and tell his story for the first time as a 52 year-old adult.

By Patricia Adams
4 min read

This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with I Have The Right To board member, Steve
Peacock. Steve is a child sexual assault survivor, speaker, and advocate, who has delivered
keynote addresses to over 1,000 students, parents, and educators since 2021. In our interview,
I was blown away by Steve’s eloquence, passion, and drive. Steve and I spoke in depth about
the restorative power of using your voice. It was my pleasure to speak with him. Thank you,
Steve!

By Brynne Beller
University of Arkansas
3 min read

At I Have The Right To, we are big fans of the healing power of music!  Music is universally recognized for its therapeutic effects on emotional, mental and even physical well-being.  It can reduce stress, elevate mood, and enhance relaxation.  Fun fact, Brynne Beller, author of this blog and Izzy both spent time in Tokyo, Japan  when they were young and living with their families, attending the same girls’ school, the International School of the Sacred Heart  – in the heart of Tokyo.  Izzy’s first song, “Anything at All” really captured our attention, reflecting about when you thought you knew so much in high school, only to feel like you didn’t really know “Anything at All’. 

By Kristyn Stoia
3 min read

In a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, the importance of empathy cannot be overstated. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a superpower that can transform not only our personal lives but also the communities we live in. Let’s delve into why empathy, kindness, and compassion matter, and why supporting those who have experienced sexual assault is crucial for their healing journey.

By Kristyn Stoia
4 min read

In the corridors of high school, as laughter echoes and friendships bloom, there exists a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed – the battle for mental well-being.

By: Camille Schloeffel
4 min read

Susan and Alexander Prout have worked in advocacy and education surrounding sexual violence among high school and middle school students since their daughter, Chessy, was assaulted in 2014. Susan, Alexander and Chessy co-founded I Have the Right To, a hub for middle and high school students, parents and educators looking for information, support and avenues of action against sexual assault. Over time, they have pivoted from awareness raising to advocating for largescale systems and social change. 

By: Anonymous
3 min read

After reporting my sexual assault to law enforcement, everyone in my community found out what had been done to me. This was, of course, the opposite of what I wanted, but I was hopeful that I would finally feel embraced and supported by my peers and community.

That is not what happened.

By Brylie Turk
4 min read

Sexual assault can have far-reaching consequences for survivors; in addition to the psychological and emotional toll, sexual assault can have a significant financial impact of survivors, resulting in a public health crisis and affecting society as a whole.