First Thoughts: Falling Up

DANA LIESEGANG was a feisty, happy-go-lucky 19-year-old US Navy recruit, when an attack by a fellow seaman tore her world apart.

She left ship to mail a birthday card to her boyfriend and on her way back, a young male diver from a neighbouring ship offered her a ride. She remembers everything about that night, and still has to compose herself to stop the tears when she talks about it.

“I had a birthday card for my boyfriend back home and went to mail it. As I was walking back, I took a ride from this young man, thinking I was safe. He was another military man on base.