When I was in the 8th grade, I was taken advantage of by a boy a year older than me. It took me a year before speaking out, but I finally did. The police didn’t do much, I made a statement but never really heard back from that after that. I never pursued it because I was young and afraid and I didn’t want to have to think about it. Now I can say that I forgive him, I’m strong and resilient. I’m now 21 and pursuing a career in nursing.
More recently, my boyfriends sister was in a relationship, this past summer he raped her. This fall, after she had broken up with him, he released her naked photos on the internet. She decided to speak out, she told us about the abuse she endured and has since gone to the police. I pray action is taken. But I’m proud of her, she’s 18 and pursing a modeling career, she’s walking her first runway next month and not letting anything get in her way.
— Survivor, age 21
Dear survivor – thank you so much for posting here. I’m really proud of you for speaking up – both for sharing your story and reporting it to the police. Even if they didn’t take any immediate action, you never know what impact in might have in the future. But most importantly, you took control of the situation and used your voice and your strength and I hope you see that and are proud of yourself. Your boyfriend’s sister sounds strong and amazing as well and I hope you are able to use each other for strength and support and to remember that you are never, ever alone. Love, Alexis