Survivor Stories (pt. 6)

TW: Sexual violence

Every survivor has their own story, yet not every survivor feels heard. For a multitude of reasons, survivors fear speaking out. And even if they do speak out, that doesn’t mean someone will listen… or believe them. 

From the start of my work with PAVE, I emphasized my desire to highlight survivor stories. I desired to create a space for survivors to share their voices, one that perseveres even after my time at PAVE. 

The pieces below were submitted by survivors, some requesting to remain anonymous. Thank you to these survivors for your strength and vulnerability. We hear you. We believe you. We support you.

Compiled by Jessica Katz

Untitled by Ericka

It was a Tuesday when my body 

Stopped hurting 

And Wednesday when I learned

That trauma prevents your mouth from saying 

No

Stop

I don’t want it 

But you never asked

And I didn’t fight 

I kept my eyes closed and pretended it was a dream 

When I woke up I had worried texts from mom 

Yeah I’m fine 

Just stayed with a friend

I laughed and kissed goodbye and gave my number and texted

Then stayed in bed in the dark for the rest of the day 

Feeling guilty for adding another body to the count 

For not having the will to say no 

But my friend told me

Silence doesn’t mean yes

She was right I guess

I took Plan B and Advil and slept

I found bruises on my face and knee and neck

No one has noticed that I’ve worn a turtleneck four days in a row

I hope they don’t ask