Here's to everyone who has survived sexual assault of any and every kind.
Here's to everyone who is fighting with themselves everyday because they can't forget what happened to them.
Here's to every one of the survivors, the fighters, the warriors.
Here's to everyone who is still fighting, hurting, crying, struggling but living.
Because sexual assault isn't easy to deal with.
Because the aftermath can be just as bad.
Because the first time some people were raped, they lost their partner due to allegations of cheating. Because rape is considered a joke. Because over 70% of women allow their partners sex when they don't want it. Because 17% of American women are victims of sexual assault from some point in their lives. Because only 39% of rapists are reported and only 3% go to jail. Because 13% of rape victims commit suicide. Because people are threatened with their lives into unconsented sex. Because people say it isn't rape and that you can't report it because you "didn't say no". Because a lot of babies born to minor women are those of older men. Because women can't be free to wear what they want without being told they're "asking for it". Because going to parties in a skirt and having people touch you inappropriately wouldn't happen if you had worn jeans. Because some people have to watch their rapist go free because they had an orgasm while being raped. Because guys who are raped by women at young ages "should be happy" about getting laid at such a young age. Because it isn't rape if you're gay. Because boys can walk out at all hours but girls can't. Because lesbians can't be raped if he was only trying to "make her straight to make her parents happy". Because in some cultures children are thrown out of their families due to being sexually assaulted. Because girls are taught to walk faster at night. Because boys are solely blamed for rape.
Because I have to tell you why I'm angry.
Because rape isn't cheating. Because rape isn't a joke. Because women shouldn't give in to overly controlling partners. Because sexual assault is too common. Because people are too scared to speak up and report rapists. Because not enough are punished. Because no one should ever want to end their life due to someone else's horrific actions. Because no one should be threatened into sex. Because you don't have to say no for it to be rape. Because older men shouldn't groom or harm young girls nevermind impregnate them and ruin their next years in life. Because wearing a skirt is normal. Because no one should touch you inappropriately anyway. Because your clothing does not determine whether you're "asking for it". Because having an orgasm doesn't mean that you weren't raped. Because guys shouldn't be forced into sex either, I matter their age. Because graving sec so young isn't an acheivement. Because rape still happens if you're gay. Because boys can get raped just as often as girls. Because it's still rape even if you say you're trying to "help" make someone a "better person" for their parents. Because no child should be thrown out due to someone else's actions. Because girls should be allowed to relax on walking at night. Because boys aren't solely to blame for rape.
Because I was raped.
Because I know how it feels.
Because I know I will never be fully understood by someone who hasn't been sexually assaulted.
Because I know people, I have met people who suffer like me. People who struggle each day worse than me because someone has hurt them, killed them inside. The journey to a future is longhand painful as you need to let go of your past and that is more than a challenge, more than difficult.
So don't tell me
that I need to "get over it"
that I need to "sort out my priorities"
that I'm "over reacting"
that I'm "fine"
that I should report it right now
that I should tell someone right now
that I should forget about it
that I should look at the better things
that boys rape girls and girls aren't capable
that girls are weak
that you can't be raped if you're gay
that you can't be raped if you're a lesbian
that if you didn't say no then it isn't rape
that sexual assault isn't a big deal
Think before you make a statement.
Think before you make someone feel worse.
That percentage of people in the workd who suffer every day from sexual assault whether it's the memories or its happening right now, they need you to stand up and understand that it is most certainly not easy for us. The easiest part is going through it. Coming out the other end is hard. The rest of your life is hard.
So think.
Think long and hard.
Because anyone around you could be affected by sexual assault.
Anyone.
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