MY VISION

I want to live in a world where rape survivors feel free and reconnected with their life. Rape is something that happened to them, but it no longer consumes or defines them.

I want to live in a world where the conversation around rape has moved from blaming victims to condemning rapists. Free of stigma and shame, victims feel safe to report rape, knowing that courts will convict offenders and that they will be fully supported through all stages of their physical, mental and spiritual recovery. The result is a community of empowered survivors thriving and living full and joyful lives.

I want to live in a world where society doesn’t accept rape under any circumstances. The stigma and taboo that was once associated with being a rape survivor is now rightfully associated with the rapist. And as a result, rape just doesn’t happen.

WE CAN'T CHANGE RAPE CULTURE,
IF WE DON'T TALK ABOUT IT.

Silence hurts.  Silence hurts survivors, keeping us feeling isolated, feeling alone.  Isolation feeds our fear and hampers our recovery. Silence hurts.

Silence hurts.  Silences hurts society, when the myths aren't challenged, when they are allowed to fester, they build.  The myths help society to feel safe, to believe that rape is rare, to believe it won't happen to them because they aren't ‘that kind of person', they don't know ‘that kind of monster.'  Silence hurts.

Silence hurts.  Silence hurts justice, discouraging survivors from reporting, encouraging the justice system to disbelieve, causing the rapist to believe they will get away with it. Silence hurts.

When we break the silence, we empower ourselves, and others.  When we break the silence, we cast light on the shadows and we bring the conversation into the open.  We need a paradigm shift in how we talk about rape, rape recovery, and rape prevention.  I am honoured to be one of many holding that candle into the shadows and talking.  I will talk, and talk hard, as loud and as often as I can.