We have a voice that isn’t often heard, an experience that receives very little attention. A conversation that is challenging to start and the continuous negative public stigma or appearance of broken people and shattered lives. We are not either; these perceptions must change. As a person who experienced a sexual assault, we are pushed into the shadows, misunderstood and feel as though we are alone; never feeling the confidence to bring this conversation to the table for fear of judgment and the discomfort it creates.

I am an advocate for those living with sexual assault and this IS a Social Justice issue.

Social, for all persons who went through this traumatic experience.  I along with so many others feel as though we are mentally and emotionally closed off from society which generally lead to silent suffering versus taking the risk of being judged in public. We also feel as though we are alienated from speaking our truths to those who are not open to having this discussion and sadly, “those” are our mothers’, fathers’, siblings’, relatives’, friends’, spouse or significant other. 

The majority of us haven’t seen justice served in the court of law and in the event the perpetration is brought to justice, we continue to carry the responsibility of living with this trauma for the rest of our lives. And I humbly ask, where is the justice?

These are the issue(s) we must address. Creating more avenues for people to receive clinical solutions, therapeutic guidance, group counseling and empowerment programs.   I need your support to continue my commitment to serving those who have experienced a sexual assault; providing a safe environment where individuals and families can communicate and heal together. We can offer a training ground to combat the barriers and promote personal growth. 

Being a victim of rape is the problem, however recognizing the need for an array of services to assist those living with this trauma, can help create a solution. This is an issue that we can no longer continue to ignore and we together must address.