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Surviving Sexual Assault

Image of Souyenne Dathorne
By Souyenne Dathorne

FOR many victims of forced sexual assault figuring out what to do causes an entire range of emotions, most commonly anxiety.

Do I tell someone, who do I tell, what will they think? Where do I go for help? What help do I need? Is this sexual assault or am I overreacting? These are a few of the questions that run through one’s mind. At this point many of you have chosen some path and sadly many felt that the best course of action was remaining silent. I understand why and no one can blame you for that. We live in a society that isn’t always comforting to those who have suffered terrible traumas. However, the first step on the road to recovery is being able to talk about what was done to you. It helps by taking a load off and allowing you to voice those feelings that for so long you may have stifled. It helps you to know that there are people out there who understand, who have been through similar experiences and are travelling the same path to healing.

What was done to you, forced or coerced sexual assault doesn’t define who you are; it is merely one part of your life. The memories from it are painful but they don’t have to control you for the rest of your life. Talking about it may be the first step on the road to recovery. Don’t think you don’t deserve to be happy, don’t think you deserved what was done to you. You are strong, beautiful and intelligent and have survived. There is hope.

We, at PROSAF, have acknowledged that violence against women is a problem in St. Lucia and the wider Caribbean. We are here to begin the metamorphosis that is desperately needed. We are always here to listen and if you are not ready to come forward but need a listening ear feel free to contact us. Sexual assault is something that happened to you, it does not define you. You are worthy of love and happiness. You are a strong, beautiful, intelligent woman who has suffered a trauma through no fault of your own. You are not guilty of any crime, something was done to you against your will. Always remember that you are not alone, that you have nothing to be ashamed of. We are taking the baby steps necessary to make it better for all. KNOW YOU HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP IN PROSAF.

Yours Sincerely,
SouyenneDathorne, Velika Lawrence
Email: [email protected][email protected]
Facebook: SURVIVING SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CARIBBEAN: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PROSAF-Surviving-Sexual-Abuse-in-the-Caribbean/165341356853908
Twitter: @PROSAF_SUEEZZY: https://twitter.com/PROSAF_Sueezzy
Webpage: http://www.prosaf.net (under construction)
http://prosaf.tumblr.com/
http://www.pinterest.com/prosaf/boards/
http://ssaitco.wordpress.com/
Telephone: 1-758-724-9991(sue) 1-758-723-6466(vel)
@VelikaLawrence
Website:
http://www.prosaf.org
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Telephone 1-758-724-9991(sue)
1-758-723-6466(vel)
1-305-771-7019(us line)

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