tw: sexual assault

There has been a lot of talk about rape culture in my social media feeds and in the news this week.

This month marks 14 years since I was raped. It wasn’t the first time I’ve been sexually assaulted, but it was the most scarring and it shook up my world terribly. His actions have and will haunt me for longer than I even knew him.

I thought I was never going to recover from that night, but I was wrong. In 2017 I went through prolonged exposure therapy so I could function in a world that was constantly triggering me. It was successful, and I can be touched without panicking, but I don’t think I’ve ever gone a day without thinking about it.

I want to share a song with you that has helped me.

This song was written from the perspective of a woman who has been assaulted and battles with trauma. I find it incredibly haunting and powerful. There are days I have this song on repeat, and days when I go for a drive and belt it out. I hope you find it as healing as I do.

He did not have permission

But he had his way

If I tell his secret they won’t believe me anyway

Secret Sisters– Cabin

Let’s do better. Believe women.

Be well, be kind, it’s ok if you’re not over it.