Westchester Reporter

In a timely message for young women returning to college or starting their first year, the Westchester County Office for Women conducted an interview with Melissa Trombetta to discuss her novel about campus sexual assault, “I Thought I Knew.” In addition to questions about the novel, Office for Women Director Robi Schlaff provided important statistics and resources.

Tragic reports of sexual assaults and violence towards women on campus are pervasive in the media. These stories inspired Trombetta, a concerned mother of a daughter going off to college, to write a story that illuminates both the experience of the assault and ways it may have been prevented. It is Trombetta's debut novel and is a cautionary tale about trust, trauma, and resilience, told from the perspective of both the assailant and the victim.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer stated: “The safety and well-being of young women while they are pursuing their dreams through higher education must be a priority. We have zero tolerance for anything that compromises those dreams and that safety. Educating young women on ways to best protect themselves, as well as educating young men about safe and respectful behavior is key to stemming the tide of these reprehensible incidents.”

Schlaff added: “Campus sexual assault is a critical issue that needs more attention and awareness from students, parents, college administrators, and the general public. It was a pleasure to interview Melissa Trombetta about ‘I Thought I Knew,’ which helps to daylight a problem that is often hidden and victim-blaming. The Office for Women is committed to assisting young women and connecting them with supportive resources whether they are here in Westchester or on college campuses across the country.”

Trombetta commented: “I have long advocated for empowering the next generation of women to be stronger and more confident in their convictions and decisions, starting with my daughter. I wrote ‘I Thought I Knew’ with hopes that this story would be another step toward achieving that goal beyond my four walls.”

For help, contact the Westchester County Office for Women at 112 East Post Road, Room 110B, White Plains, NY or call their Main Office Helpline at (914) 995-5972. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.

Additional resources regarding sexual assault on college campuses can be found here.

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