LA CROSSE, Wis. — Leigh Collins, originally from La Crosse and a recent California transplant, has made the courageous decision to publicize her harrowing experience of surviving a home invasion and assault in an effort to embolden other women who might face similar dangers. Several years after relocating, Collins was assaulted in her own residence, an event that has dramatically reshaped her life and perspective on personal security.
The incident unfolded late one night when Collins was alerted by barking from her dog. Upon investigating the noise, she found herself facing an intruder equipped with a knife. The assailant made his intentions clear, threatening Collins with rape. However, determined to protect herself, Collins fought back vigorously, managing to chase the intruder from her apartment.
Collins suffered serious injuries during the altercation, including multiple stab wounds and nearly severed fingers. Despite these physical traumas, her resilience in the moment likely saved her from further harm. The attacker, identified as Rashad Devon Harris, was unfamiliar to Collins prior to the incident. It was later revealed through police investigations that Harris had been stalking Collins for an extended period. He was subsequently arrested, convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment for his actions related to the attempt and the assault.
In recounting her ordeal, Collins emphasizes the importance of mental preparedness for self-defense. “If someone is violent with you, they’ve already crossed that line. If they’ve entered your home, they’ve already crossed that line,” she stated, hoping her experience could serve as a critical lesson in self-defense for others.
Further reflecting on the attack’s aftermath, Collins shared how the incident plunged her into a profound sense of isolation, despite having the support of family and friends. She noted the scarcity of relatable stories or representations of similar survivors left her feeling particularly alone during her recovery.
Today, Collins reports that she is recovering well and has found sharing her story publicly to be a therapeutic step towards healing. Inspired by her experiences and the responses from others, she has announced plans to write a book detailing her traumatic experience and her journey of recovery.
Her story not only highlights the need for increased awareness and self-defense preparedness among women but also touches on the broader implications of survivorship and the often-overlooked emotional and psychological aftermath of such violent incidents.
The resilience and bravery shown by Collins in sharing her story are not just about personal healing but are aimed at empowering others who might find themselves in similar perilous situations. As she moves forward, her efforts to transform a personal nightmare into a source of communal strength continue to inspire.