After Escaping Abuse, She Chose a New Name Meaning 'Freedom'

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Charlotte Hayes, formerly known as Rachel, endured years of physical and sexual abuse as a child adopted from Russia. At 18, she fled her family's home, leaving behind financial support but determined to start a new life. She chose the name Charlotte, inspired by a 'Private Practice' character, as a symbol of the freedom she sought. Over time, the name took on deeper meaning as Hayes built a life of her own, hiking, paddleboarding, and no longer defined by her traumatic past.

Why it matters

This story highlights the resilience of survivors of abuse and the power of self-determination. By choosing a new name that represented her vision for her life, Hayes was able to shed the identity forced upon her and embrace a future on her own terms.

The details

Hayes, adopted from Russia as a toddler and given the name Rachel, says she endured years of physical and sexual abuse in her adoptive home in Northern Virginia. The abuse was justified by her deeply religious parents through Bible verses. At 18, Hayes fled her family's home, cutting herself off from financial support but determined to start fresh. She began making a list of new names, settling on Charlotte, inspired by a character on the TV show 'Private Practice.' The name's meaning, 'free woman,' resonated with Hayes as she worked multiple jobs and slowly built an independent life.

• In 2001, Hayes was adopted from a Russian orphanage as a toddler and given the name Rachel.
• On June 10, 2018, at age 18, Hayes fled her family's home in Northern Virginia.
• Over the following months, Hayes worked various jobs and saved money to support herself.

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