Sign the Petition - Save a Man's Life

This petition came through on my Facebook feed today. I couldn't help but look more into it, read the story and ultimately, sign the petition to save this man's life. Everything about this story is heartbreaking. But what stood out to me the most was that this wounded soul felt too much shame to admit to anyone the truth of what those men did to him.

This is why I am so passionate about ROAR and our mission! Groups and organizations like ROAR need to continue to be shared with the world so that all survivors, living in silence and living with that shame, know that they are NOT ALONE.

Discovering I was not alone gave me validation. That validation revealed to me my power. That power helped me to change my life. And now WE have the power to change this man's life.

Join me in signing the petition today.

http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-tom-corbett-pa-board-of-pardons-district-attorney-seth-williams-grant-clemency-to-terrance-williams-survivor-of-child-sexual-abuse

Food for Thought

7 Years

The 7 year anniversary of my rape came and went this last week. On past anniversaries and the days leading up to them, I would find myself consumed with anxiety, sadness, anger and haunting memories of that night. It was like all those old feelings found a way to resurface again every July. But this year was different. I had remembered that the anniversary was coming up (I was raped on my mom's birthday, so the date has not easily been forgotten). But it wasn't more than a breif thought and I even had to pause for a minute and try to remember how many years it had been. When I figured out this would be 7 years, I couldn't believe it. I can remember it like it was yesterday.
July 17th came and went this year, and with out a single second spent remembering that night 7 years ago. It never crossed my mind. And I am so proud of that. I made the choice to forgive and move on and to not waste another minute of my life on someone who never even deserved that one night. And I gave more than just a night to him, I gave years. Years of being stuck and feeling ashamed and feeling like it was my fault. But not anymore. I am loving my life and living it to the max because that's what I deserve and that's what I want for myself and it is what my husband and children deserve from me, all of me all of the time.
ROAR was born to help other survivors get unstuck. It is my hope that you will realize that you deserve a life free of guilt and shame and full of love and forgiveness and PASSION. It is possible. And this 7 year anniversary has just reminded me that I am more than capable, we all are.
Love & Courage always.

Effects of Sexual Assault

According to RAINN.org sexual assault statistics: In 2007, 248,300 people were victims of sexual assault. That is more than a quarter of a millon people in just one year. Far too many. What saddens me the most is knowing that all of those people will experience some of the life altering effects of such a traumatic experience.

• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Substance Abuse
• Sleep Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Self-Harm
• Depression
• Body Memories
• Suicide

These are just some of the effects one may endure in the days, weeks, months, and years to follow being sexually assaulted. This is why it is so important to reach out and get the help you need. There are so many ways to begin healing. Perhaps you aren't ready to talk to anyone. Maybe picking up a book is a good start. Or start clicking on the different links to the left of this post and keep reading what other survivors have written about their own experiences. Just reading this blog post is a wonderful place to start.

If you are ready to talk to someone, ROAR is always hear to support you! RAINN.org hosts the National Online Hotline and someone is waiting to talk to you right now, and it's totally confidential. It might just change your life. The time to ROAR is now.