Last night, there was a fierce thunderstorm.
I hid in a bus stop very scared.
I was hiding my head in my hood while the rain was extra hard, and the lightning was very often.
Someone else joined in the shelter and I didn’t look at him.
Until he grabbed me and pushed me down in the water.
I screamed but no one could hear over thunder.
He raped me and then left in the rain.
I know who he is from in town.
I have friends hunting him down.
— Survivor, age 16
Dear survivor – thank you so much for sharing your story here. First of all, since this was very recent you might consider getting checked out by a doctor. That’s not to say you have to report what happened, but just to make sure you are physically ok and take any necessary precautions. Second, please be careful with your friends. What that man did to you was wrong and not your fault; but your friends can get in trouble if they do something they shouldn’t. I know this is so hard and I don’t blame you (or them) one bit for wanting revenge, but please be careful. I would encourage you to talk to a therapist or a counselor about what happened who can help you work through your emotions and decide how to move forward. You are very strong and very brave and I believe in you. Love, Alexis