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“I didn’t like talking about sex,” she said during the episode. “It’s taken me a long time to get to where I am now.”

While she said the road to healing after the experience wasn’t easy, Thurston told “Good Morning America” that she feels relieved to share it with others.

“You see it in that episode this like emotional relief of just like, it’s not my fault, you know, and that was a burden I felt for a very long time as if it was my fault,” said Thurston. “And I do hope, you know, men and women who’ve gone through something similar know that it’s not their fault as well, because that kind of relief from that pain is just -- it’s so great.”

Thurston said she hopes that her story helps spark a conversation about a difficult topic.

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A post shared by Katie Thurston (@thekatiethurston)

“Consent is a simple yes or no,” she said. “It doesn’t happen when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and I think that’s the important thing that people need to realize. So it’s just important to have those conversations and if you aren’t comfortable asking about consent, then you’re probably not ready to be having sex to begin with.”

If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault and is seeking resources, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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