Survivor Stories (pt. 13)

CW: 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

Engraved by Tristyn

My life forever changed

In one night

Flashing red light

No wasn’t no

I was all alone

I was engraved

My life was forever changed

I missed core memories

Just because all I could do was freeze

Why did I deserve this?

I asked a million times

I was in silence

With my quiet cries

I was engraved

My life forever changed

Is there any good to this?

Internally feeling ashamed