First of all, I would want to tell Linor that she is such an amazing woman. I watched Brave Miss World on Netflix last night and again today as it touched my heart and soul on so many levels. It saddens me that there are so many of us all over the world having to cope with this horrific experience.
I was sexually abused as a young child, molested as a teen and brutally raped as a young adult. A stranger entered my home, held my baby out the window of my 4th floor apartment, told me to do what he said or he would drop him. For many years I have lived in shame and guilt and suffered alone. I had learned to stuff and suppress from early childhood on. I learned no one listens; no one believes. However, the rape is something I cannot stuff and suppress.
Even though the rape occurred well over thirty years ago, I still see his face, those eyes, hear his voice, feel him violate my body. To this day I still have major issues sleeping in a bed, sleeping period.
Finally, after all these years of battling many forms of addiction, a couple suicide attempts I am gratefully in counseling. Through counselling it was discovered I have D.I.D. and tend to dissociate under stress as a coping skill. I cannot begin to tell you how much I respect and appreciate the work you do. This website and the documentary are totally amazing. I am going to recommend it to my therapist to assist other “victims” in becoming survivors as well.
It’s time for all to SPEAK UP & SPEAK OUT. Thank you so much for giving me a place to share.
Bravo to you!!! How incredibly empowering it must feel for you to speak out after all these years. Brave Miss World reminds us that there is strength and power when a community of survivors and allies stands together in solidarity. You, my friend, are not alone and you never have to suffer alone again. This site is a testament to that. Readers here listen and they believe. Thank you for your strength and resilience. The healing journey is long and hard, but there is beauty on the other side.
Thank you so much for your comments and encouragement. You are absolutely right that the healing journey is long and hard. One of the therapists I had been working with told me on many occasions, “Girl, for all the crap you have been through in your life, you should write a book. People don’t have baggage. . .people have stories and stories need to be told.” I took his advice to heart, poured it all out on paper, called it LOL, UR WACKED” then presented him with a copy of it and said if it can help any of your other clients, please feel free to make a copy for them. It was very therapeutic, however, after suppressing so much for so many years, just putting it to paper and releasing everything left such a void and emptiness. There is such a long journey ahead, a lot of healing to do. Once again, we thank you for your words of encouragement and may God bless. Have a GREAT day.
My dearest Linda,
Writing about trauma can be very therapeutic, but as you said, it can also leave you feeling empty. In time, the empty void will be filled with light and love. I LOVE the title of your written work. May your journey to healing continue and may it be full of meaning. By putting your story out there you have offered a bridge to others who are struggling on their journeys. Each of us walks it differently and sometimes reaching out a hand and saying “me too” goes a very long way. Thank you for your strength and courage.