We Have a Voice
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We Have a Voice

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April 28, 2016

Written by: Elizabeth

I have had the pleasure of being a part of a very important day in our community and the nation: Denim Day. This event is so important to our community because it is essential for us all to create awareness of sexual assault. I wanted to be part of this event and day based on professional and personal reasons. As a clinician, I believe that it is important to be aware of the impact of sexual assault and the ways in which our community can help survivors to have a voice. It is greatly unfortunate, but survivors of sexual assault some time do not feel they have a voice, will be understood or heard. I know because I was one of them.

I was sexually assaulted by my ex-boyfriend a few times between the ages of 21 and 25. To him they were a form of punishment. I did something wrong that he did not like, and this is how he had gained his power over me. I did not tell friends or family because I was ashamed and embarrassed. Then at the end of the day I still stayed despite the assaults that occurred. I lived in fear and isolation. I hit a breaking point and with the empowerment of others, I was able to get out. However, it is an event and day like this where I find my voice again to step up and say I AM A SURVIVOR.

It means a great deal to be able to stand up and empower survivors to find their voice again. Being a survivor as well, I want to assist others in knowing that they will be heard and there are people in this community that will listen. I believe that it is great that we have included the subject of men and boys because this is a group of survivors that sometimes goes unheard and unnoticed. It is so important for us to stand up against sexual violence for both men and women, empower them, and voice to them that they are survivors.  It is such a devastating feeling to not be heard and not have a voice and I therefore appreciate that this year it highlights that both men and women have a voice and deserve to be heard.

I believe that this is such an important community issue that needs to be heard out. Too many times I hear in my profession children, men, women, teenagers, adolescents, and adults saying that “I did not know who to tell because I do not think that anyone would believe me.” When we do not acknowledge that sexual violence is affecting our community and nation, we do not provide the resources for those who need our help. In order to stop sexual violence we must rise as a community and make it aware to all. This is why Denim Day is so very important to me and others in our community. We must make it our duty to stand up and fight for those survivors, and put an end to these events that should be happening to anyone. Joe Biden said at the Oscars this year, “I’m asking you to join millions of Americans…to take the pledge: a pledge that says that I will intervene in situations when consent has not or cannot be given. Let's change the culture." This is what Denim Day represents: we must change our culture and create more of awareness in our community. We must make this a priority. I am grateful that we have Denim Day to highlight that there must be an awareness in our community to all stand together against sexual violence. I stand here today with all the members in the community, all the professionals who make such a difference in people’s lives, and all survivors of sexual violence. WE HAVE A VOICE!

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