I'm a Survivor

I have met many people, both online and off, who have been abused in some way. I have witnessed their pain, and sadly, I have experienced my own.

I was fifteen when a guy my age forced me into oral sex. At the time I was insecure and afraid of being hurt by this guy, but sadly the hurt was only beginning. This went on for a month or so, he would bring me close and use me before ignoring the fact that I existed at all. I felt used. And in truth, I was being used.

A few months later, my best friend, best friend for two whole years, decided to use me sexually for her own mixed feelings. She had me in a bad position- I was miles away from family, had little to no way of contacting my own home, and needed someone to be there for me. Instead, she would neglect me by day, insult me openly and by night she was using me again. Our friendship crumbled, and I felt so alone and desperate for a friend anything would have worked.

This last December, I was yanked around and forced down on the floor and was told I could not leave to go home by a guy I barely knew, but thought I could trust. I came home in tears, I felt like it had kept happening to me because of a flaw in myself.

But the truth is, there was nothing wrong with me. No person who has been abused in any way has a flaw that makes them the victim of it.

And here is the truth. I am not a victim. I am a survivor. I overcame these experiences. I endured the pain and flashbacks, and now I am preparing to fight for others who are sexually abused or hurt in other ways. I've met so many- now it's my turn to be the change.

For those of you who have been hurt, DON'T LOSE HOPE!! I can't express that enough! Find help, and let yourself be helped. Don't take that junk they tell you- you are a person who deserves a happier life than that. Keep fighting, keep standing up despite the storms.

For those who have witnessed this, don't be afraid to get involved. Help collect evidence, get them help in any way you can! You will be helping, possibly even saving a life that will make a difference! This last May, I got involved in an abusive relationship my friend was in. I held on to everything she told me, kept text messages she gave me, and wrote a letter to her principal and counselor. She got help, and now she and I are preparing to do a drug awareness and prevention campaign to end our senior year with a bang!

We are both survivors. All of us have a story. Don't be afraid to change the ending into a positive one. The first step to a new day is getting out of bed and facing it. Eventually, the days will become nicer. You're in my prayers, fellow survivors. Keep living strong.