I was sexually assaulted a month after moving to a new city. After presenting at the ER in search of mental health assistance, I was involuntarily admitted to a psych ward. The bill for that was over $2k. So it was sent to collections. Which is now on my credit report.

My unchecked mental health problems (from the inability to afford help) led to more ER visits and more debt to be reflected on my credit score. Now finding an apartment is more difficult and, as a sexual assault victim, I’m very specific about the security and safety of a place I rent. But everyone looks at my credit score and views me as a risk.

Also, I acquired some dental problems as an aftermath of my assault. I’m now missing some teeth with others cracked but I’ve avoided going to a dentist because I know I can’t afford it. So eventually, I know I’m going to be forced to go and the dental treatment required is going to be more expensive than if I could just go now.