A Letter to Survivors of Abuse & Trauma.

Dear Survivors,

It was not your fault. You did nothing to bring about or deserve that treatment and I will repeat that over and over to you as many times as you need. I’m so sorry for the incredible harm that has been done to you. I know you’re probably confused, angry, sometimes feel like your emotions are swirling out of control. It’s ok. What was done to you was something you were never meant to experience. Your brain and your body are doing their best right now to protect you, to get you through this moment of realization. The realization of the harm done to you and the deep pain that comes with it. Things will settle. You can get through this. You are not alone.

So much is being talked about in public, right now, about this type of harm done to you. Maybe it’s not your exact story being talked about but you know the harm and you know the pain. This makes it difficult to process the pain and the shame that accompanies it. May I suggest you turn away from those stories for now, if you can, and focus on your healing. Focus on what you need to do in this moment, even if it is just to breathe. Deep breath in and long breath out. You can do this. You are not alone.

Eventually, when you feel more settled and possibly even after some counseling and/or coaching, you can tell your story. It will be difficult at first but you will find a strength you never knew was possible. The healing work you’ve been focused on will become greater and have greater effects. This harm done to you thrives in the darkness through secrecy. It’s because of survivors telling their stories that this evil is brought into the light and it loses its power. Be warned that there will be those who will try to silence you but I encourage you to focus on those of us who will support you, prop you up and cheer you on. We will not silence you. We will stand right beside you and say it just as loud as it needs to be said. You are not alone.

Finally, please know that there are so many of us who want to support you; who believe you, who want this evil exposed and stopped. We want those environments that perpetuate this evil to be shut down. Our voices are being drowned out right now but we will not stop advocating. We will not stop talking about it. Those of us who have experienced this harm and have walked our own healing path are ready to stand against and expose this evil. We will not be silenced.

Reach out to someone today. Do just one thing to help you heal today. Don’t stay silent. Silence is what they want, that is what this evil wants in order to grow and spread. Find your courage, find your strength, find your voice. Remember, You Are Not Alone!

Choosing healing together!