A person may resonate more with victim or survivor. In fact, they may resonate with both or neither. Nonetheless, to support victims and survivors, it’s important we’re respectful of how they choose to identify with their experiences.

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.

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.

PAVE stands with survivors speaking their truth and working to hold their abusers accountable, especially in a society in which survivors are often met with injustice. The following news stories highlight the recent victories of survivors E. Jean Carroll and Evan Rachel Wood.

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.

The pieces in this post 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.

Sexual trauma is deep and personal. Regardless of your connection with your partner, your trauma is your story to tell, so when and how you choose to share it is up to you.

“To me, this piece represents my whirlwind of a journey toward healing–my disconnect with my body, the struggles I faced throughout the investigation, and sitting with the aftermath of it all–which all led to me finally feeling at home in my body.”

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.

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.

Why didn’t you fight back? Why didn’t you run away? Survivors are constantly questioned, criticized, and shamed for their responses to assault. In reality, when our body senses a perceived threat, we experience one of three stress responses: fight, flight, or freeze. All of these responses are normal.

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. The pieces here 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.

Terry Crews is a former NFL athlete and actor known for his roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, White Chicks, and America’s Got Talent. In 2017, Crews spoke out in response to the abundance of sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein. In a Twitter thread, Crews said, “This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME….”

For decades, Title IX has protected students from sexual misconduct in learning institutions. Now, the safety and well-being of students are at stake.