Gaby's Story

Manipulation.  Intimidation.  Fear.   Sexual predators use many different tactics to abuse children.  Gaby knows.  She was sexually abused when she was four years old, and the abuse continued for months.

"At four years old, I didn't tell anyone what was happening to me," said Gaby.  "My abuser threatened to kill my entire family."

For the next 20 plus years, she lived with symptoms of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Over her lifetime she has seen many therapists, and tried a variety of treatments including medication, which, "helped," said Gaby, "but didn’t' deal with my core issues." 

About a year ago, Gaby sought help at the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault.  "I felt very comfortable at SACASA," said Gaby.  "The staff are very warm; the atmosphere is calm and peaceful."  As her therapy progressed, Gaby learned to cope with her symptoms of flashbacks and paranoia.  She has learned her 'triggers' and high stressors, and combats them with breathing and visual techniques and self talk. "My therapeutic transformation has been a long one," says Gaby. 

At 32 years old, Gaby plans to return to school to get a degree in psychology.  She is the owner of "Gaby’s Dependable Services," nanny and pet sitting services, and enjoys hiking and caring for children and pets.

"I would tell anyone in my situation that they can't give up.  There is hope and fire within them.  They still have the strength to go forward," said Gaby.  "It seems like the perpetrator owns your life, but it's not the way it always has to be.  It takes a lot of mental energy, but it can be done."

Gaby is also participating in an effort with SACASA, Las Familias, Casa de los Niņos, Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse, Homicide Survivors, MADD Arizona, Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center, and Wingspan to prevent the state legislature to from raiding funds earmarked for victims of crime. 

"The revenues in the fund come from fines and fees collected from convicted criminals," said Gaby.  "They are not taxpayer money and legislators have no business raiding these funds.  It is so very important that lay people understand that the services provided by these agencies are so very important to help crime victims get out of the deep hole of suffering they're in.  This is an investment in people's lives.  Re-victimizing people who have already been significantly traumatized is simply wrong. "