I was young. I was stupid. But I didn’t deserve what I got. I was tricked out of a party I was at. I was tricked to head to the shops with this person I had just met.
There were no shops. There was just a dark park. He just wanted to hang there for a bit. I said ‘No’, I said I wanted to go back. He pulled me down. I kept saying ‘No’. He told me I deserved it. I just closed my eyes and wished I was somewhere else. I wished it was all over.
After, I didn’t tell anyone. I was embarrassed. I thought it was all my fault. But he told people that I begged for it. He told my friends. I tried to tell the truth. They didn’t believe me.
I was lost, I was alone. I eventually told my mum. She gave me a hug and then refused to talk about it again. I truly was all alone.
But I’m a survivor. I somehow got through it all. And I have two beautiful kids and nothing will ever get in the way of me talking to them and letting them know I am always on their side.
I am very lonely, even with everyone around me. I am still all alone.
— Ange, age 33
Ange,
It might feel like you are alone, but I can assure you that you are now part of a community of survivors here at Brave Miss World. You are held by unseen hands and everyone who reads your post will stand in solidarity with you. Sexual violence is one of those things that nobody wants to talk about, but Brave Miss World is changing that. The more of us that speak up, the less others can stand in silence. You are very brave. You may not know me, but I will hold you in my heart. Light and love to you, Alissa