There is hope after tragedy and there is happiness after pain. With the right support and understanding, you can take back your power and live the life that you choose.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault and/or childhood sexual abuse, you have experienced what it is like to have your power and control taken away. This experience may have left you feeling as though you have lost the power and control in your life. You may not even think that you deserve to be happy or ask for what you want in your life. Please do not let the painful experiences of your past disturb your happiness any longer.

Survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse have a strong tendency to blame themselves for what happened. I want you to know that it was not your fault. There are many people around you who might have told you that you caused it or should have stopped it, or you might be telling yourself these messages. Regardless of the circumstances, if you were taken advantage of sexually, the person who took advantage of you made the choice to do so and therefore, the full responsibility falls on him or her. For many, the person who has hurt you in such an intimate way is a loved one or someone you were close to and trusted. The betrayal of trust is sometimes more hurtful than the assault or abuse. You may not know who to trust or may feel unable to trust anyone. These feelings are all normal experiences and can be worked on and resolved in a safe and respectful environment.

Loved ones and significant others are also effected when someone they love has been sexually assaulted or abused. Understanding your own reaction to it, exploring your feelings and learning how to help is the best thing you can do to support a survivor.