This article discusses a case of sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been assaulted, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for free, 24/7 support.
MILWAUKEE — Violence across Milwaukee County has been in the spotlight the past year. Prevention efforts have been a priority for city and county leaders.
Amid the ongoing violence, Kristina Paris is continuing her work to raise awareness about gun violence.
She’s taking a tragic event that happened in her life and using her passions to help spread positivity and inspiration throughout the community.
Music and the arts have always been a passion for Paris. She has been playing the flute since she was in the 6th grade. She is also part of a traditional Irish band.
In 1990, Paris was leaving band practice late one night, when she was robbed and assaulted.
“All of a sudden there was a man behind me choking me, hand around my neck and a gun to my head,” said Paris. “He found a dark spot between two garages and that’s where he raped me.”
She said the assault left her traumatized. Years later, the memory is still fresh.
“He is in jail now,” said Paris. “He will never get out. I found out during the trial that he had done this before.”
After her experience, she said she wanted to speak up, hoping to help other victims.
She realized at the time, there weren’t enough support resources for victims. She tried to call a support group right after her experience and was unable to get through to any phone lines.
So she decided to put together a benefit concert to help raise funds to get the support group their own phone line. She said this was just one way to help other victims and survivors get the help they needed.
For the past three decades, she’s used music on her healing journey.
“After I was assaulted, I truly did not smile for a year,” she said. “When I play my music, I’m elevated with happiness.”
She has also used her origami skills to help fundraise for WAVE, or the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, where she now works.
“It’s really nice to be able to connect my love for some of the arts, my music, my origami and connect that with positive change in our community,” said Paris.
She calls gun and other acts of violence in Milwaukee County an epidemic.
“If you have experienced a violent crime against yourself or a loved one, if you feel you have the strength to speak out, go for it,” said Paris.
She said she will continue to advocate for others for as long as she can.
“I am very grateful to be alive,” said Paris. “Maybe I was allowed to live so I could be a voice to the voiceless. I don’t know that, but because I have the courage and energy to speak, I will.”
She said she hopes her story can inspire others to find the courage to share and get the support they need.