What is one event from early in the book "Speak" that takes on importance later in the book? And how does this earlier event become important?

Naturally, Melindas rape at the hands of it is going to be the one event that I would say
takes on importance later in the book.  It runs through the entire text and is the reason for
her lack of voice.  The violation that she endures at Andys hands and then at the social order
the targets her for making the call represents the fundamental starting point for her
to...