A man raped me seven years ago.

I was left traumatized, suicidal, and with a complex linguistic decision. For a long time I avoided using the terms rape victim or survivor. I simply said “I was raped” or “a man raped me.” But the experience of being raped forced its way into my identity, not just my history.

In the years since, I’ve heard this particular message of empowerment repeated over and over again, a mantra of sorts: “We are not victims; we are survivors.” I’ve watched many who’ve experienced sexual violence articulate these words.


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