During her first jobs after college, Allred recognized blatant gender, minority and other discriminations she and others were encountering in the workplace. But in 1966, while on vacation in Acapulco, Allred had a life-changing experience, one that she says solidified her decision to become a lawyer and champion for women’s rights: She was raped at gunpoint by the physician she was on a date with.

SM: Many experts say rape is usually an act of control, not an act of sexual gratification.
Gloria Allred: I would agree with that.

SM: How can women regain a sense of empowerment and control after being the victim of a rape?
Gloria Allred: The key word: It’s about power. [Women] have power in their lives and they can turn whatever anger they have about what has happened to them—which they rightfully have—into a powerful force for change for themselves and others. [With] many of my clients who’ve been victims of rape, we have gone after the rapist [and] cooperated with the police in their pursuit of the rapist. They found the courage to testify, they filed civil suits often. It’s empowering to go from having been a victim of the rapist to actually taking the offensive against him. It’s just a very powerful experience. I don’t advise any woman to go through this alone. It’s very important that they have the support of others.