"When I was 18, I was sexually assaulted by a friend of mine in my dorm on my college campus," said sexual assault survivor Herasanna Richards.
Years later, Richards still remembers how difficult it was to talk about it.
"I was afraid of you know what could come back at me from my peers," said Richards.
It's a fear she says many survivors experience after an assault. That's why she's glad lawmakers are bringing attention and funding to the problem.
"I'm actively advocating for more money to go to prevention services, survivors, helping survivors and really just ending assaults once and for all for Michigan," said Rep. Kristy Pagan, D- Canton.
Starting with 500 thousand dollars in the budget to help colleges and universities address the issue. But survivors say that's not enough. Education about sexual assault should start much earlier.
"You have countries in the european union who are talking about sexual assault as early as five years old," explained Richards. "We need to make something happen."
Making sure survivors know thy have someone to talk to, and when they ask for help, something will get done.
"If I have a situation. I complete a rape kit. I know that I'm being followed up with," said Richards. "I know that this is what's going on with it."
Which is exactly what the sexual assault kit tracking and reporting commission is working on, making sure survivors are aware of the process every step of the way.
"It'll be tested," said Rep. Laura Cox, R- Livonia. "They'll know what's happening every where it's at. If it's at state police testing or if the prosecutor has it.... to press charges."
So people like Richards can feel safe living in their communities.
"The biggest things survivors need is just someone who can believe them," said Richards.
