A Male Rape Survivor's Story: PAVE Leader Gabe Wright

As mentioned in the November newsletter, our Male Empowerment Director Gabe Wright took another courageous step in his life to overcoming his fears by traveling back to the very town and exact spot in which he was raped at the age of 22 by three men at gunpoint and develop a documentary.  In the town of Hickory, NC he partnered with a local university by participating in their Take Back the Night and several events to shatter the silence of sexual violence. 

 On Friday November the 13th, the anniversary of the rape, students attended his presentation and then several joined him afterwards as Gabe went back to the spot of the rape for the very first time since it happen 12 years ago.  It was such an overwhelming experience that brought back many tough memories but at the same time, it was a moment in Gabe's life where he could once reclaim back the very power/control that was taken from him.

 At the time of the rape he had been fishing and since that day, he had never fished again but now 12 years later he had no fear in taking a fishing rod and fished once again at the exact spot where he last stood fishing.  Gabe will now be working on creating a 7-10 minute documentary of his experience to be used for awareness and marketing purposes of the Male Outreach Campaign.  Any encouragement, support and funding would be greatly appreciated to continue on with the goals of getting this documentary edited and released sometime in January.  Email Gabe empowerment@pavingtheway.net if anyone is interested in becoming involved in the campaign.