I was 9 years old at a campground my whole family went to every year, literally since I was a baby. The two teenage boys that raped me were neighbors from the adjacent campsite. They were sons of a minister.
It happened when I was walking enjoying the woods. The first time they raped me, I wanted to see the way the sun was shining in the grassy area. It looked so nice, but they were there. I see no need to get specific, it was bad enough. I tried to fight. I even had a pocket knife, but I didn’t have the heart to use it on them. I just threatened to use it.
The second time they raped me, was by the boat launch. They pushed me into an outhouse. It was so bad. I didn’t know what was going on, but I fought so hard and did my best but then he strangled me and I had to succumb because I thought he was going to kill me. When he was done he pushed me out forcible and I passed out.
When I woke, I thought it was a bad dream but they were kicking sand on me to cover up the semen. They terrorized me and threatened me that if I told anyone they would drop a big rock on my head to kill me. Then they walked me to the showers and I used some leftover soap that was there. I didn’t care if i used the old dirty soap left by a stranger. I just wanted to be clean.
I don’t know if this is really helpful to write this, but that is part of my story. God Bless and keep the other survivors who struggle throughout life. I love you all.
– John Amber
John,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experience on the Brave Miss World site. I believe that it is incredibly helpful that you shared this part of your story with us. So often the focus of sexual violence prevention, education, and advocacy focus on female survivors. I can only assume by your name that you are not female. Speaking out as a male survivor is vital to ending the shame and stigma around victimization.
I am humbled by your courage and I thank you for speaking out. Your voice will help others to end their silence.