Dear Survivor Campaign
Dear Survivor,
Each story shared here is a testament to what it means to survive what should never have happened and to keep moving forward in a world that often asks sexual assault survivors to stay silent. We came forward with our stories with you in mind and what each survivor deserves to hear in their healing. This is a place where your story isn’t questioned, dismissed, or minimized. Every story is real. Every voice matters, including yours.
This isn’t about comparing experiences or defining what survival is supposed to look like after sexual trauma. It’s about understanding the many ways healing can unfold. While no two stories are the same, many survivors feel alone and shameful of what happened to them. If any part of you has ever wondered if your experience “counts” or if it was “bad enough,” this campaign was created for you.
By sharing our experiences, we hope you can begin to see that healing is possible.There is strength in your voice. There is power in your story.
With Courage,
A fellow survivor
Survivor Stories: Healing from Sexual Trauma
Turning My Experiences Into Purpose
I am a survivor, because my story did not end with what happened to me. At 14, my trust was shattered by someone I called a friend; as an adult, I wasn’t taught that saying “no”, especially within the context of marriage, was something I could do.
The Little Girl that Felt Not in Control of Her Experience
I’ve spent much of my life feeling disconnected from my body, my desires, and my own sense of self and autonomy. It started when I was very young—experiences that were confusing and intense, happening repeatedly over the years. At the time, I didn’t understand boundaries or consent.
Refusing to Let What Happened to Me Define Who I Am
I’m proud of the way I refused to let what happened to me define who I am. Instead, I let it shape me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself.
You are Allowed to Destroy the Shame that was Never Yours to Own
For a long time, I lived under the weight of a lie: that I had "blown up" my own life. I spent years mourning lost opportunities and grieving the trajectory I thought was ruined forever. I looked back at the girl I was in high school and the woman I was in college and I punished myself for the wreckage.
The Truth is, You Were Doing the Best You Could with What You Knew at the Time
It was never your fault. You were simply reaching for something every human deserves: love, safety, and connection. You believed in what you were given because your heart was open, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Being High isn’t a Yes
If I didn’t go see my ex alone and smoke pot out of that weird pumpkin/jack-o-lantern trick-or-treat like basket thing, this wouldn’t have happened. And honestly, it felt like a long time I dreamt it because I felt like I wasn’t even present for it.
For the Scared Fat Girls
For me, there was (and continues to be) a lot of shame around my body and what it looks like wrapped up in this experience. It was specifically made an issue during and immediately after my assault in an attempt to shame me into silence and to shift suspicion away from my assaulter.
Campaign FAQ’s
What is the Dear Survivor Campaign?
The Dear Survivor Campaign is a storytelling initiative created to help survivors of abuse feel empowered in their healing journey. Your voice can help break the silence. Your story can help others know they are not alone.
Why was this Campaign Created?
Many survivors struggle in silence for months or even years before speaking about what happened to them. The journey to healing can feel incredibly isolating (especially in a world where sexual trauma is often minimized, misunderstood, or left unspoken). The Dear Survivor campaign was created to offer what so many survivors wish they had in their early healing: stories of solidarity, messages of hope, and proof that you are not alone. According to RAINN, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual violence. These numbers show how widespread this pain is, but also how many voices are ready to rise in support of one another.
Is this therapy?
No, this is a story-sharing campaign, not a therapy session. Submitting your story does not create a therapeutic relationship. If you are in need of immediate support, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist or contact a crisis resource.
As a trauma therapist, I created this campaign due to the large amount of survivors I have seen who believed they were alone in their experience. Many didn’t have the words at first. Others were told to stay silent. What every survivor deserves is a safe space to speak their truth and be met with compassion.
Why should I submit my story?
Sharing your story can be a powerful act of healing. This is not just for others, but for yourself. Putting your experience into words, on your own terms, can help reclaim your voice and shift shame into strength. You never know who will see themselves in your words and finally feel a sense of hope, connection, or courage.
There’s no pressure to write a certain way or share every detail. Whether it’s a message of encouragement, a letter to your younger self, or a reflection on your journey, your story matters. It could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
How To Share Your Story
Read and sign the consent form below so we can respectfully and ethically feature your story.
Upload your story. You can write a letter, a short paragraph, or even a poem.
We’ll review your submission and share selected stories on our website or social media, honoring your chosen level of anonymity.
You can share anonymously or with your first name only.
We will never post anything without your signed consent.
Your story is your own, and we deeply respect your journey. Keep in mind that the purpose is to empower other survivors. Please consider:
Avoid naming abusers or identifying others.
Be mindful of including details that may be triggering to others.
This is a space for empowerment, support, and healing. Submissions may be edited for clarity, grammar, or formatting but never for tone or meaning.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and uplifting environment for all.
Prompt Suggestions
Here are some ideas on writing your story:
What you wish you could tell your younger self
A moment that changed your healing journey
A truth you’ve reclaimed after being silenced
A message of hope for someone still struggling
Submit Your Story Here
Fill out the information below and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
Before you submit your story it is important that you review the CONSENT FORM HERE