![Best of BTB: ‘Just because I was beaten or raped … that’s not all that I am’](https://behindthebadge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BTB.Oree_01-702x503.jpg)
Best of BTB: ‘Just because I was beaten or raped … that’s not all that I am’
0To mark our 10th anniversary, we are sharing some of our top stories from our archives. This one was originally published on Jan. 20, 2016. January is Trafficking Awareness Month. Here’s how it happens. You are an only child being raised by a single mom. She works two jobs. A family “friend” begins molesting you. You are 9. At 10, you are taking a shortcut to a friend’s house through a sketchy neighborhood when a couple of guys drag you into a laundry room and rape you. Your mom believes you. But others tell her it must be your fault.…
![All nine of this father’s kids – yes, 9 – followed him into careers in law enforcement](https://behindthebadge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/160610-OCSD-Reyes-Family-01-SJG-351x185.jpg)
Editor’s note: As part of our 10th anniversary, Behind the Badge is sharing stories from our archives: This story is…
![Orange County’s cowboy Sheriff Gates left an enduring legacy](https://behindthebadge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Brad-Gates-news-article-photo-351x185.jpg)
The image of the Western cowboy lawman is so ingrained in American culture as to become cliched. But while Marshal…
![Best of BTB: OCSD deputies recount terror in Las Vegas: ‘I had never felt that close to death before’](https://behindthebadge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/171005-OCSD-Mundy-Eggert-01-SJG-351x185.jpg)
Editor’s note: As part of our 10th anniversary, Behind the Badge is sharing stories from our archives: This story is…
![Best of BTB: OC’s first female deputy, Alice Chandler, was ‘fierce before fierce was cool’](https://behindthebadge.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screen-Shot-2016-08-16-at-8.43.04-AM-351x185.png)
Editor’s note: As part of our 10th anniversary, and in recognition of National Police Women’s Day on Sept. 12, Behind…