ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Monday, Spectrum News 1 introduced you to New York State Police Investigator Sayeh Rivazfar as she shared her incredible story of survival.

Now, she's talking about how her experience led her to where she is today.

After the repeated abuse and the murder of her sister, Sayeh's life could've gone in so many different directions. But she was very focused on the fact that it did one thing — it helped put her attacker and sister's killer in prison.

What happened to her would also serve some greater purpose in helping others like her find peace and healing.

"I received a large stuffed animal from the sheriff's department, and they all signed the card and the deputy that was first on the scene, I actually still talk to today," she said.

Sayeh Rivazfar says those law enforcement officers from the late 1980s who helped catch and convict her sister's killer inspired her in her law enforcement career. She's been with the New York State Police since 2003.   

"I really, truly felt that I wanted to be a part of the justice system. I wanted to make a difference in someone's life. I wanted to arrest the bad guys, the monsters and put them away," said Rivazfar.

And she did put her monster away. Ray Wike, was convicted in 1989 of kidnapping and murdering Sara and of the kidnapping, sexual battery and attempted murder of Sayeh. He was sentenced to death and eventually died in prison of lung cancer in 2004.

Sayeh now works as a state police investigator inside the Bivona Child Advocacy Center. She is also very involved in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She helps other families dealing with the trauma of physical and sexual abuse.

"The only reason why I'm able to sit here and speak to you about what happened to me as a child, it wasn't just one thing," said Rivazfar. "It was a culmination of things. It was being a safe environment. Having support, the mental health aspects, I had so many various, different types of therapy."

Bivona says every eight minutes a child is sexually abused in this country. The center saw nearly 2000 children in 2019. It helps interview children for criminal cases, with medical care and individual and family therapy. It is also working with community groups and in schools as it did with the Hilton Central School District to educate children and families about safe boundaries and acceptable behavior.

Bivona reminds adults that they should be listening to what children are telling them.

WEB EXTRA: Below, Sayeh talks about becoming a New York State Police investigator, therapy she has gone through and how becoming a mother has affected her life.

When she's not at work, Sayeh is home with her 9-year-old son and her fiancee Kelly. Her sister is never far from her thoughts when she looks at childhood pictures or the angel wings on a chain around her neck. 

She continues to fight for others and to be living proof that with support, you are capable of much more than you can even imagine.

"I feel their pain. It may not be the same, but they are in good company and they're not alone. You can do this. You'll get through this," she said.

There are many ways you can help if you suspect a child is being physically or sexually abused — speak up.  

Sayeh said she discovered years later after receiving the paperwork of her court case, that she in fact did tell people she did not like and was afraid of Ray Wike.  

What about Sayeh's relationship with her mother?

That is complicated. She was angry and upset her mother that she allowed this abuse to happen. She wanted her to take responsibility. What many people here will remember was the very long and complicated custody battle between Sayeh's father and mother. Eventually, the kids ended up here as they wanted.

Today, as an adult, she is more sympathetic with her mother about her struggles. She has a limited relationship with her today. Her mother lives out west.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused can contact a local child advocacy center like Bivona if you aren't totally sure. 

Bivona has some great online resources there where you can learn more about how to talk to your children in an age-appropriate way about abuse. You can even take a course called Darkness to Light to learn more about how to help kids and what to look out for.

To see part 1 of the story, click here.

WEB EXTRA: Click here for more of her interview in which she talks about testifying in court and her abuser going to prison.