It was an average day for Lori Robinson, but after arriving home from work she was caught by surprise when two men forced her into her apartment, tied her to her bed and raped her.

Robinson is a rape victim and author of the book “I Will Survive,” which is a guide for African American women dealing with the issue of sexual assault.

Robinson spoke to a crowd of students and other interested individuals on the topic of sexual assault and issues associated with rape last night in the Education Building.

Robinson started out with a poem that was written by one of her friends after she herself was raped and in the process of healing.

She addressed the idea that healing is a possibility for all victims of sexual assault, and her personal relationship with God has helped her own healing process.

“I am a very spiritual person,” Robinson said. “Being open to the healing power of God has been a key factor in my surviving process.”

Being a journalist, she has also written several articles that have been published in numerous magazines and newspapers with the intention of getting out the message of sexual assault and trying to make more people aware of the issue.

“First of all, I want to reach survivors with the message that healing is always possible,” Robinson said.

As part of her healing process, Robinson said she would listen to gospel music, as well as talk to her friends and family who were her support at the time.

“Another aspect that is important to know in the case of sexual assault is the myth that a sexual assault is the victims fault, because of what they wear, and what they do.” she said. “The victim is never at fault no matter if they are flirting or whatever the case may be.”

Victims do not asked to be victimized, Robinson said. Even if they go over to a guy’s house in the middle of the night or if they kiss a guy, this does not mean they want to have sex, she said. Rape is never asked for and is considered any unwanted sexual force.

The third aspect that Robinson focused on was the idea that sexual violence is not a women’s issue and it is not a men versus women issue. It is an issue that affects everyone, she said. Robinson said she encourages men to get involved as well to try to keep sexual assaults from occurring.

“Men need to take action against sexual violence as well,” Robinson said.

People need to speak up and make the public aware that sexual assaults are a frequent occurrence, she said.

“Many people are afraid to speak up because they do not want to be ostracized by the public, like they see happening to others who speak up on their assaults,” Robinson said. Robinson said that most rapists are not strangers, but rather, they are someone who is close to the victim or someone the victim already knew.

Robinson was raped by complete strangers, but said that this is not normally the case.

University student Emily Hois said she hopes rapists learn from their mistakes.

“If I were ever raped I would want to know that my rapist would feel remorse and I would want to know that he would not rape anyone else,” Hois said. “Whether that would mean putting him being bars or making him know he did wrong.”

Hois also said what stuck out to her from Robinson’s speech was the idea of being raped by someone you are in a relationship with.

“I would be hard being sexually assaulted by someone you were in love with,” Hois said. “I would just feel trapped, but I would try to find support and help.”