An Open Letter to the People Who Have Been Violated
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

An Open Letter to the People Who Have Been Violated

Here's a reminder that you are never ever alone.

102
An Open Letter to the People Who Have Been Violated
Taylor Williams

Dear Fellow Survivor,

You are not alone. You are not the cause. You are not to blame. You are strong and worth more than what you think you are. You are beautiful. You are capable of anything you put your mind to. You are incredibly resilient. If anyone tells you otherwise, I hope you know they are wrong.

The feelings associated with being violated are like no other. There is no word for the way you feel after someone takes your sense of security away, but vulnerable is a good starting point. And while you probably still feel vulnerable regardless of how long ago the violating event took place, I can tell you that the feeling lessens over time. It seems impossible to withstand sometimes. That's okay. Validate your feelings. Allow yourself to feel pain, but be sure to look for replacements for the pain: coloring, singing, listening to music, spending more time with people who are important to you, journaling, watching a movie, eating your favorite food-- whatever appeals to you, do it. When you feel like giving up, when you feel worthless, when you feel like you are alone, give yourself a few minutes to cry if you need to. But then grab a tissue, dry your face, pick your head up, and keep going. Smile. Look in the mirror and smile. Your "old" self is still in there, believe it or not. Fight for her or for him. Fight to bring them back 'cause let's face it: if you don't, no one else will.

On days you feel like you could have done something differently to change the outcome, think about reality: you can't fix someone who is only after control and power. You can't stop them from manipulating people. Violators are not your responsibility. You had no influence on their decision. Your outfit, your makeup, your choice to drink, the party you were at... none of those things are the reason you were violated. You were violated because a troubled individual is obsessed with having control over others, and you were his target of choice. In short, none of this could be your fault.

I hope these reminders help you in some way. I am so sorry that you, too, are having to deal with so many emotions. Remind yourself everyday that you are loved and valued. Soon, you will notice small changes that indicate growth and strength. Soon, you will no longer feel suffocated by the flashbacks or nightmares. Soon, you will regain your grounding and stand taller than you ever did before. I believe in you. Keep chugging along, dear friend, for the dark days will soon be over.

Sincerely,

A Girl Who Knows What It's Like To Be Violated

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89285
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

60392
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments