15-year-old Nori had always been her dad’s favorite. Everybody in her family knew it.  They even called her “Precious Princess Nori.”  When she was young, he took her on dump runs, to work with him, and on daddy-daughter dates. Anything she asked for, she got.

Then, something changed. At first, Nori’s dad would touch her chest or butt and say it was an accident. Over a few months, the “accidental” touching became more and more frequent. One night, she got to stay up late and watch a movie with her dad after everyone else went to bed. The movie had nudity and sexual content that made Nori feel uncomfortable. After the movie, her dad came into her room and laid down beside her. He began touching her inappropriately, telling her how much he loved her and how special she was.

Soon after, he came to her room again. Then another time. Again, and again. Nori was afraid to tell her dad to stop, and she was afraid if she tried to get away, he’d do the same things to her younger sister. So, she kept the secret.

One day, Nori saw her dad “accidentally” brush her sister’s chest. Just like he used to do to her. Nori was so angry and sad! That day at school, Nori told her best friend, Brit, about what her dad had been doing to her and her worries about her sister. Brit told her mom, who reported the abuse. “It was the best day of my life when I got called to the principal’s office and  a police officer was there. He asked me what I told Brit and said he would help me. He took me to the Children’s Advocacy Project where a lady let me tell my story. She was kind and listened to everything I had to say. I felt safe and it felt so good to finally tell someone.”

Nori’s disclosure at the Children’s Advocacy Project opened the door to an investigation of child sexual abuse by her father. Nori’s disclosure gave grounds for law enforcement to obtain a search warrant for her house and her dad’s phone. The evidence collected led to additional local and federal charges. “I was really anxious about testifying, but the court advocate let me see the courtroom in advance and the prosecutor helped me understand what testifying would be like.”

Nori’s dad was found guilty on multiple counts of child sexual abuse and possession and distribution of child pornography. “Looking back, I know this changed my life and my sister’s for the better. At first, I blamed myself for not telling sooner and for my dad getting in bad trouble. Through counseling, I know that nothing bad that happened was because of me. I still have a way to go, but everyday I get stronger and more confident.”