I Have the Right To

A High School Survivor's Story of Sexual Assault, Justice, and Hope

By: Chessy Prout, Jenn Abelson

Narrated by: Chessy Prout

“A bold, new voice.” —People
“A nuanced addition to the #MeToo conversation.” —Vice

A young survivor tells her searing, visceral story of sexual assault, justice, and healing in this gutwrenching memoir.

The numbers are staggering: nearly one in five girls ages fourteen to seventeen have been the victim of a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. This is the true story of one of those girls.

In 2014, Chessy Prout was a freshman at St. Paul’s School, a prestigious boarding school in New Hampshire, when a senior boy sexually assaulted her as part of a ritualized game of conquest. Chessy bravely reported her assault to the police and testified against her attacker in court. Then, in the face of unexpected backlash from her once-trusted school community, she shed her anonymity to help other survivors find their voice.

This memoir is more than an account of a horrific event. It takes a magnifying glass to the institutions that turn a blind eye to such behavior and a society that blames victims rather than perpetrators. Chessy’s story offers real, powerful solutions to upend rape culture as we know it today. Prepare to be inspired by this remarkable young woman and her story of survival, advocacy, and hope in the face of unspeakable trauma.

Courage

As an educator, it’s disheartening to know that the very people who devote their livelihood to educating and being a safe place for kids did the exact opposite for Chessy Prout. This is a real story about a young girl who had the courage to speak out against a long history of “tradition.”

Best book I have read in 2018

Chessy Prout is so inspiring! I loved hearing her narration of the story. I think it is a must read for teenagers and parents. I couldn't stop listening to it - I took longer walks, listened while I got ready in the morning. Great book.

A powerful story everyone should hear

This is such a powerful story of hurt, healing, and hope. I was at once heartbroken for this young woman and awed by her strength. The very fact she read her own story speaks to the incredible woman she has become. You will be touched by it and you will be changed!

This is how change happens.

So grateful to have this book recommended to me. As a college professor and a CSA survivor, I learned and gained so much from Chessy's story. If you take nothing else from her story, please recognize that the words, I believe you and it's not your fault, are essential to survivors. We need them repeated often by everyone.

Thank you!

Thank you for being so strong and for sharing your story. What and inspiration to other survivors and a guide for all.