SURVIVING SEXUAL ASSAULT/INCEST AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Surviving Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Folks, I have heard from so many Survivor's of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence recently. I felt compelled to write about it. 

So many individuals who have been sexually assaulted by a family member, or someone they new, or even didn't know. And all to many time's, this happen's at a very early age prior to them fully understanding the impact that it will eventually have on their lives. As time goes on, many individuals get cursed with the "Hush, Don't Tell" aspect of this horrific event, they keep all of their thoughts and feelings locked away deep inside of themselves. However, it begins to fester and turns into an enourmous wound in their everyday lives. It haunts them and angers them. However, after many years of the not telling nor speaking about their abuser or type of abuse, they carry this burden and feel that they are the ones who are the blame or at the very least have an extremely low self esteem. Many will go through their lives entering into yet another world of nightmares allowing themselves to be target's for Domestic Violence. Thinking for some unknown reason that they don't deserve any better. Feelings of disparity, ashamed, less than human. 

We have come a very long way in reporting abuse. However, there are still so many who have carried these secrets around for half of their lives. Either no one listened, or cared. Or they simply didn't want to or think they should talk about it. So, how do we change this?

By becoming empowered with Knowledge. You see, knowledge is power. Something that we learn as we get older. But how does that help the children who have yet to reach the age of understanding? 

As parent's, be vigilant. Listen intently to your children. Be observant of changes in their behavior. Changes in the socialization with other's. And always remember that it isn't just girl's who are abused, but also boy's. 

As a society, we must first believe that this happen's even if it has never happened to your loved ones or to you. If you have never been touch by this monster, then it is difficult to understand it from a victim's perspective. However, always be willing to listen. Although difficult at times and sometimes unbelievable, one must open their minds to the REAL WORLD and the ugliness that is prevalent here. No one chooses to be a victim. They are chosen. Without a voice in the matter. Without a protector to pull them to safety. Because this type of abuse is very elusive. Even in the best of families. It does not discriminate due to power or money, or status. This can happen to ANYONE! You might be surprised to know that you probably know someone who has been a victim of abuse. Because you see, they don't always tell. And it is often invisible. But still devastating in the quite of the night in their lives. Filled with nightmare's. Filled with disgust. Filled with shame.

This is a Journey I would wish on NOBODY! However, if you have been affected by this Monster known as Sexual Abuse/Incest or whatever name or label you place on it, PLEASE, release yourself from it's grips and SPEAK OUT! No longer do we have to be silent victims. We can only become survivor's if we recognize that WE are INNOCENT. That innocence was taken from us. We did not give it away! However, we can never go back and reclaim what was taken. But, we can go forward with the knowledge and power to take control back in our lives. Learning forgiveness is extremely hard. But, very necessary in order to let go of the darkness of yester-year. Trying to be strong in the face of adversity is very difficult. 

That is why we are called SURVIVOR'S.

PLEASE, SPEAK OUT. BE HEARD! BE GOOD LISTENER'S. LEARN TO HAVE A SILLY HEART ONCE MORE.