I was sexually assaulted while in the military. I had planned my suicide, then I discovered I was pregnant.

Kori Cioca (right) says her daughter (left) saved her life.

Courtesy of Kori Cioca

• Kori Cioca was sexually assaulted during her time in the military.
• She told her daughter, Shea, about the assault when Shea was 14.
• Her daughter, now 17, wants to be an advocate for survivors of sexual assault.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kori Cioca, a speaker with Peace Is Loud, an organization that helps survivors and advocates use public platforms to drive policy change...