Everywhere we look lately it has been impossible to avoid the news of the Stanford rape case. Plastered on our phones, newspapers, and even brought up in conversation the tragedy is practically haunting us. For those of you who have personally experienced rape, this is probably triggering a lot for you. Here is a letter for you.

Dear rape victims,

I see you from afar. I see you crying in your bed at night. I see you pulling back when your new boyfriend/ girlfriend goes in for a kiss. I feel your pain. I know how the memories of what happened to you play in your head like a broken record. I know that you feel broken. I am here for you.

Lift your head beautiful, your body is your temple. Reclaim yourself and show the world what you are made of. I promise that your heartache will pass and the queasy feeling you get when someone gets too close to you will subside. This event, this moment in time does not define you. You define you. You are made of so much more than broken little pieces scrambling around seeming forever lost. You are made of sparks and fire that will shine brighter than ever.

Get out of your bed and go do what you love. Do not isolate yourself. Do not punish yourself for their horridness. Get back to playing that sport you love, painting those pictures of the sunset, and reading those books you once read before. You deserve to find your passion and follow it. You do not have to be stuck in this lightless tunnel. Allow yourself to find the light and bask in its glow. Dance as if nobody is watching and live the life you once dreamed of. It is still possible!

Allow yourself to receive the love you deserve, you are worthy. Not everybody will treat you like they did. Not everyone’s intentions are bad. Go on a date with that girl/ boy and allow yourself to laugh with them. Let them see the real you that you have been hiding. Take those silly pictures and go on those small dates. You are not a worn-down piece of furniture to just be discarded.

Let your friends in. Even brick walls crumble sometimes, let your friends help pick you up. Talking can be a major relief no matter how painful it is at first. It is okay to look to others to help in rebuilding yourself. Your friends love you! Have them over to have movie marathons and binge eat like you used to. Stop cutting yourself off from them, they are there for you. You deserve to have a social life.

Most importantly, respect yourself. You are not filthy or grimy because of what happened. You are not weak and stupid. You are strong and have been through so much. Let everyone see the passion you have deep down. Wipe your tears, you should be proud of yourself for how strong you have been.

Dear rape victims, I see you. Now let the world see you.