It's still April which means it's still Sexual Assault Awareness Month! I was talking with my friends last week and one of them mentioned the song "I Believe You" by Fletcher. I had never heard it so I decided to listen to it later while doing homework- and my life was changed. I mean changed. This song is IMPORTANT and everyone needs to listen to it. Below are the lyrics courtesy of AZ Lyrics. I highly, HIGHLY recommend listening to the song while reading the lyrics.
It's the sick-to-your-stomach feeling with a smile on your face.
Too often victims are forced to keep a smile on their face out of fear. They feel like they can't speak up or act like anything is different because of retaliation.
It's the memory you ignore but you can't erase.
The memories of assault or times of harassment are always in the back of their minds.
It's the text in the middle of the night you didn't ask for.
You didn't ask for it.
It could help your career but at what cost.
Trading promotions for sexual favors. Disgusting.
Are you holding back something that you're dying to say?
Are you?
Me too.
Girl, I believe you.
I believe you. I promise someone believes you.
Are you losing your mind thinking "What would it take?" to make somebody listen to you
Me too.
It's the room full of rumors and everybody's staring.
It feels like all eyes are on you. People have their own versions of every story but it's none of their business. Ignore them, it's easier said than done but I promise they don't matter.
Did they tell you "You were asking for it by what you were wearing."
Your outfit does not mean consent!!! A short skirt is not an invitation to be groped. A low cut top is not asking for inappropriate comments.
It's the stains from your makeup and tears on your pillow.
Your pillow knows your every thought and feeling. It's a constant reminder.
It's a piece of yourself that you let go.
Something was stolen from the victims. Something that no one had the right to take and they had to let it go.
Do you want to scream but just can't find the air?
Sometimes you feel you're going to suffocate.
Me too.
Girl, I believe you
Are you losing your mind thinking "What would it take?" to make somebody listen to you?
All they want is to be believed. This society is so messed up and blames the victim instead of listening to them. Just please listen to them.
Me too.
They say step up and sit down, shut up and back down.
So what's up yeah, what's up with that.
What the hell is up with that? Telling the victims to keep their mouths shut so they don't ruin another person's life? What about their life? Why don't people care about the victims' lives?
So we dress up, get felt up, get shot down, don't speak up.
Yeah, what's up, yeah, what's up with that.
I don't think it's too much to ask to not feel AFRAID to dress up and go out but apparently, it is. I would just get blamed for my outfit.
Are you holding back something that you've just been dying to say?
Say it. Say it loud.
Me too.
Girl, I believe you.
Do you know every battle that you've had to face is making you bulletproof.
You. Are. So. Strong.
Me too, me too
Girl, I believe you
Do you know every battle that you've had to face is making you bulletproof
Me too.
Girl, I believe you.
Me too. I believe you.