YOUR STORY CAN BE LIFESAVING

Being open about your experience with sexual abuse takes bravery. However, part of the process of recovery and healing is confronting the trial that you went through. One of the ways you can do that is by sharing your story here at endsexabuse.org. By doing this, you will grow, but we can also put your words to good use. Every victim needs to know that they are not alone, and that there are others out there who understand what they feel inside. Your story can help them realize that.

That is where we are hoping you can help us. We would like to put together a video of several victims of sex abuse sharing their story. The video would be a montage of 10 second clips where victims would share what they lost to abuse, and at the end of the video there will be a link to our website. On this website we would have your written story in an article format with an accompanying picture. Our hope is that through your story and words, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. We realize that this is asking a lot, but we also know that if your story of recovery and strength is told to the right person, it can be life changing. If you decide to share, there are specific instructions below:

1) Create a 10 second video where you state what you have lost due to the abuse. The dialogue could be something like, "my childhood ended when I was abused," or "I lost my innocence when I was abused." This part should be very short and broad, as it is only 10 seconds in duration. The details of your personal journey will be written in later.

2) Write your story, thoughts, and heartfelt recommendations to those who are victims themselves or have a close relationship to a victim. You may share your specific experience, but we ask that you do not include anything graphic. The most important part of your story will be how you overcame this experience, and how you live a happy and fulfilling life despite your trial. The essay should be no longer than 600 words, although 300-500 is preferred.

3) Send in a picture of yourself. This can be you doing something you love and enjoy, it can be a photo with family or friends, or it can just be a picture of you alone. We just hope that it is warm and inviting, so that the reader can see your light.

Thank you for your decision to share. It may end up saving a life. When you have completed your story, send it to us at info@endsexabuse.org.