I was sexually assaulted while in the military. I had planned my suicide, then I discovered I was pregnant.

• Kori Cioca was sexually assaulted during her time in the military. • She told her daughter, Shea, about the assault when Shea was 14. • Her daughter, now 17, wants to be an advocate for survivors of sexual assault.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kori Cioca, a speaker with Peace Is Loud, an organization that helps survivors and advocates use public platforms to drive policy change, and her daughter, Shea Cioca-McDonald. It has been edited for length and clarity.

This story contains references to sexual assault and suicidal ideation.

When I joined the Coast Guard, I was excited. I loved boot camp — the way the military bearing was squared away, standards were upheld, and professionalism and respect for one another was maintained at all times.

However, when I