An intimate look at trauma through the eyes of a survivor
All too often when a survivor discusses their assault they are asked, “what were you wearing?”. This question is extremely invalidating and is completely irrelevant. We need to stop tying assault to appearance and placing the blame on the victim for not covering up. Even if a woman is running past you wearing nothing, it is not an invitation for assault. Revealing clothing is not consent.
I am starting a series called “Dear Survivors” that will be posted on Instagram @ TalkingThroughTrauma and cross-posted here.
These little “notes” are a compilation of the things I wish had been said to me when I experienced my first trauma. The intent is to help survivors of trauma and sexual assault feel less alone, less ashamed, and less confused.
Fading dreams, a stolen youth Come at far too high a cost Amid a sea of self doubt Her innocence was lost Her world has lost its color And food has lost all taste Her passions seem but pointless And life feels like a waste Now her mind feels paralyzed Stuck in a moment in time Hoping, longing for relief For justice for this crime But justice may never come And vengeance isn't sweet If the demons in her mind Cannot admit defeat Silently she drudges on A shell of who she was He still haunts her memories And everything she does
Edited June 7, 2020
Talking Through Trauma 