All too often victims go silent. They fear their attacker, they fear the reaction from their peers, they fear going public, they fear, they fear, they fear....

Fear is one of the many reasons victims remain silent about traumatic events of the sexual nature. Still, those silent voices need support. That one day when they come out of their silence and give voice to their souls, they may seek an outlet for what was held inside. Many criticize the silence of victims exclaiming it is wrong. They shout that attackers must be processed through the justice system. And, while these are valid points, not every victim has the strength to speak up nor the support system to give them the encouragement to do so.

Be kind to those who are silent for you know not what has caused them to be so. Likewise, when they do speak, listen with empathy and be supportive, for it is the survivor within you who can embrace them and lead them down the path of resources and help that exist in this day and age.

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This group exists for the survivors who have come out and shared their experiences, but it also for those who have been silent and may remain so for many years to come. Know you are not alone. Know that there is help, when you choose to access it. Know you are a survivor too.