Sisters in Survival is a sweeping call for justice for survivors of sexual assault who were failed by the legal system.
I’m so glad you found us amid the challenging journey of recovery from sexual assault. I know the profound difficulties you face—how it can feel like a painful, scary, uphill battle. Remember, you bear no responsibility for the actions perpetrated against you—none! Regardless of the circumstances, it was not your fault, full stop!
Your power, your voice, and control—these were all taken away from you, and you can reclaim them. I want you to know that you can do this. I believe in you!
I hope you find solace in knowing you’re not alone. While we may not be acquainted personally (yet), we share an unspoken bond as survivors of sexual assault. Our paths may differ, but I understand the emotions and challenges you’ve faced—shame, embarrassment, denial, terror, PTSD, fight or flight response, rage, night terrors, memory loss, confusion, sadness, and grief.
Early on, the ways you choose to process what happened to you may seem destructive, and you may feel like you’re not making progress. Perhaps, like me, you took the path of using substances to cope, and that’s understandable—it helped us navigate those difficult moments when we didn’t have other tools to process. Sis, you no longer need to mask the haunting emotions; this is a judgment-free zone.
That said, don’t ever compare your journey to others’, and give yourself grace. I’ve been on this healing journey for 37 years. I celebrated 9 years of recovery in September 2023—that timeline should show you that healing can take a long time, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself, and refrain from comparisons.
If I could infuse you with my courage, hope, and strength, I would. I sponsor and mentor numerous women with stories like ours, guiding them through the healing process. In their darkest moments, I tell them, “Pretend I am right by your side,” and I want you to do the same. I’m right here with you, and I’ve got your back!
Together, we can overcome this, Sis, and you can find your voice again. You’re not alone. I am your Sister in Survival. Recovery is attainable, your voice can return, and you can use it to inspire change and aid the next Sister with a similar story.