As a sexual assault survivor myself, I know how the man (or woman) will haunt you forever after the incident. I know how it feels to wake up in the middle of the night with flashbacks and nightmares, and getting angry that they got away with it and will never truly face the consequences. Well here's to y'all, and here's to us.
With the recent ridiculous actions that the government and judicial system has been handling rape and sexual assault cases (i.e, the Ireland Rape Case with the thong, and the Baylor University rape "trial") and the unfair verdicts, I want all of you survivors one thing: I believe you. I know it might not mean much, but not only I, but millions of other women do, also. We stand with you even in the ludicrous rulings in court, we believe you, your story, and your word. In times like these, I just want to tell the young women and men terrified to testify or scared to report, I promise we all support you and we're rooting for you. Stay strong my lovely ladies and gentlemen. Here are some helpful hotlines that are free and available 24/7, for times of need, desperation, hopelessness, and fear:
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: +1(800) 656-4673
Trevor Hotline for the LGBTQIA+ Community (Suicide): +1(866)-4-U-TREVOR
Grief/Loss: +1(800) 395-5755
National Child Abuse Hotline: +1(800) 422-4453
National Domestic Abuse Hotline: +1(800)-799-SAFE
Post Abortion Counseling: +1(800)-228-0332
Suicide Hotline: +1(800)-784-2433
National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline: +1 (800) 662-4357
I hope the sun comes out for you all soon, and I hope one day you will realize how much you're worth, and I hope that you all will begin to smile, grow, and bloom again.
Sincerely, Shelby Lynn
