Alissa’s Journey

The Journey of

Alissa Ackerman

Dr. Alissa Ackerman is a criminal justice professor at University of Washington, Tacoma. She is a sex crimes researcher, and has written extensively on the subject.

Until recently, Alissa would have said that her professional journey had nothing to do with the violent rape that she experienced at age 16, not yet having come to terms with the long-lasting impact that the experience had had on her. Alissa made the decision to open up about her experiences and has thrived in her newly found freedom from 15 years of deafening silence and secrecy, as she puts it.

Today, Alissa embraces her identity as a survivor of sexual assault, and uses it to enhance her expertise in her chosen field.

Visit her website at www.alissaackerman.com.