Survivor Voices

Sexual violence has a profound impact on a survivor’s life. So do the reactions of others.

Thanks to the powerful voices of survivors, it is clear how harmful it can be when others respond negatively. Yet their stories also illustrate the healing power of positive reactions, paving the way with support and care.

My name is Kayla, and I Start by Believing because support in your most
vulnerable moments can change your life.
– Kayla Cash

When we stand together, we can make a difference. We are strong and we can be victorious! – Cresta Starr Anderson

I am a godly, beautiful Black woman.
Believe our Black sisters. Protect Black women! – Veronica Y. Njeri-Imani

I turned my fear into fortitude and my cautiousness into capability.
– Guiliana Cozzo

Failure is not an option. Yes, you can!
– Johnnetta McSwain

Being believed gave me the power to transform from a victim into a survivor.
– Kimberly Corban

Hollis Brown — Every 73 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted in the United States and 5 years ago, I was one of those people.
– Hollis Brown

Chelsea Young — He believed me and let me take a break
from fighting. – Chelsea Young

Kelly Wallace — All throughout my childhood and into adulthood people told me I was brave.
I never saw it that way. I was just telling
my truth. – Kelly Wallace

Anther important part of the #metoo movement is “me.” Me being a victim does
not define my intelligence, my relationships, my dreams, my laughter, my love, my ambitions, or my successes… I am still me.
– Dr. Danielle Moore

Kerrian Beasley — I am thankful for the sleepless nights
and the time put into figuring out my case and ensuring justice was served.
– Kerrian Beasley

Elizabeth Johnson — I share my story ‒ I hope I’m offering what
I myself needed, someone to hear and say
“I believe you.” – Elizabeth Johnson

Chrissy Depre — You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, and my own voice… until now… you will hear me. – Christine Depre

Brittany Boitnott — I am more than a statistic.
– Brittany Boitnott

Emma Mannion — Using the power of my voice again, after having it taken away, is the strength I strive
to have every day. – Emma Mannion

Kara Chamberlain — Belief is the first step towards healing and empowerment. – Kara Chamberlain

Stephanie Schulte — There is always help and people, advocates, law enforcement and others that will
believe you and offer you support. You are never alone. – Stephanie Schulte

Nicole Raab — Love hard, live fearlessly, and be
kind always. – Nicole Raab

Angelika Martinez Mcghee — As scandals end, promises are made.
As a Sister Survivor I know
that there is more work to be done.
– Angelika Martinez-McGhee

Mandi Howell — With the right support systems in place, it makes it easier for us to move from victims
to survivors to thrivers. – Mandi Howell

Taylor Hirth — You never know who you might be saving
by believing somebody when they tell
you they’ve been raped. – Taylor Hirth

Beth Flory — Our experiences with assault, no matter
how different, are all valid and deserving
of support and justice. – Beth Flory

Kat Duesterhaus — If you asked me how I’m doing now I would tell you that I’m no longer just surviving…
I’m thriving. – Kat Duesterhaus

Amanda Culpepper — Warriors are not born, they are made.
– Amanda Culpepper

Just like shattered glass, I was able to pick
up the pieces of my life. One day at a time.
– Cathy Almonte

Rena Romano — I grew tired of being ashamed of crimes I did not commit, and I am determined to be a voice for those who have not found
theirs yet! – Rena Romano surTHRIVER®

Caroline Hammond — This is my passion. This is my mission. Use confidence, patience, and truth to tell my story of surviving abuse, and celebrate what came after ‒ even when it’s really hard. All I need is to impact one person, and Start by Believing. – Caroline Hammond

Wendy Jensen — My first step was to believe in myself, and then to tell someone my truth. Only after
that could healing begin. – Wendy Jensen

Tizz O'Toole — Every time I get back up after being knocked down, I am stronger. Every. Single. Time.
– Tizz O’Toole

Tracy Rector — When a victim is believed, she begins to gain agency over her life as she moves from her vulnerability to her strength to being a survivor. – Tracy Rector

Dyanie Bermeo — Someone out there believes you,
I believe you. – Dyanie Bermeo

Dustin Dakota — Believing in yourself is the first step towards
a life of freedom that is defined through
truth rather than silence. – Dustin Dakota

No matter how dark it may seem, you are
not alone and there is light. You are stronger than you think you are, and you have the power to find it. – Rachel Sines

Nicole Stephens — ”I’ve found peace learning that healing is
an ongoing journey of many layers.”
– Nicole Stephens

Chloe Pustelnik — ”I used to be afraid of being a statistic,
but I turned my fear into strength. Now I
tell my story so I can help other survivors
find strength in themselves.”
– Chloe Pustelnik