The vibrant young woman thrived in a profession that allowed her to connect with people.

A stand-up comedian, Melissa was initially excited to be approached by a professional who claimed he could help her with her routine. When he invited Melissa to his apartment for pointers, he assured her she would be safe with him.

After they spent time talking about her career, the night unexpectedly adopted a darker, more frightening tone.

The man sexually assaulted Melissa - and the 20-year-old felt the world around her shatter.

The following night, she sat crying in her driveway after work. That was the moment she realized - and admitted to herself - she had been raped.

She reached out to her mom for support, but struggled to get the comfort she needed. She called 2-1-1, and within 30 minutes Melissa was driving to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to meet a victim advocate and nurse examiner.

She received care, compassion and support.

"My advocate from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay was probably one of the biggest forces of my life," Melissa said.

The help she received from the Crisis Center gave Melissa the strength she needed to take care of herself.

In discovering her inner strength, and inspired by the help and support she received from volunteers and staff at the Crisis Center, Melissa now feels capable of helping others facing adversity.

"I can be an advocate to women," she said, "because somebody was my advocate."

Supporting the Crisis Center helps ensure that survivors of sexual assault can receive the support, comfort, and validation they need. To hear Melissa tell her story of strength and perseverance as a rape survivor, click HERE.