Letters to survivors
These letters were written by CSC faculty, staff and students to survivors of sexual assault. The letters were written during the ‘What Were You Wearing?’ exhibit in the King Library.
Dear Survivor:
Thank you for having the balls to share. I am sorry you were a victim. I will share your stories with my daughter to help her realize it can happen to anyone, at anytime, anywhere. I hope you heal. ALL MY GOOD VIBES – Tjaden
Dear Survivor:
I am sorry for the pain and hurt in your life. The world is full of sin. People do bad things. I am sorry for the bad things that have happened to you. I believe that there is a God and he is good and he hates sin. The things that happened to you are not good. Please know that God is! God brings healing in the midst of pain and suffering. There is no one better to go to with your hurt, anger and confusion. My prayers are with you! I pray that God will heal you and show you his great love.
Dear Survivor:
I think you are so brave for sharing your story. I can only imagine how scared you were during the assault. Finding the strength to talk about it makes you amazing! Sexual violence should never be tolerated. Thanks for helping break the stigma!
Dear Survivor:
Hi J, I don’t know you and you don’t know me. But yet, I’m still upset for you. As if you were one of my own. It brings tears to my eyes reading your testimony. I’m deeply sorry you encountered such a horrible situation. Although, I want to say you are so strong for continuing to move on in your life! Despite what happened, you.are.here. You are amazing, resilient, and so brave. I may not ever meet you, but I’m proud of you! KEEP GOING! – KS
Dear Survivor:
I know the pain you face each time you are reminded of what happened. The way you carry yourself through each day, word unspoken of the pain you feel shows so much strength. You are strong, you are worthy, and most of all you are loved. I hope you find peace in reclaiming your body that was never someone’s to take. You are not alone, I see you, I stand with you, and I care about you. Even if you are a stranger to me, the struggle we share is no stranger. I hope you find peace. Love, Rachel
Dear Survivor:
I know your pain and I’m sorry this happened. I wish I could change the past but I can’t, all I can do is tell you that you didn’t deserve what happened to you and you are so much more then any one can make you feel. Keep going and find peace within yourself. Cry freely, scream, yell, do what ever you need to let out the pain you feel.
Dear Survivor:
I want you to know that it is not and never will be your fault. No one ever deserves to experience something so traumatic. Do not let yourself or others diminish the way you feel. Your feelings are valid no matter what. I hope you are able to heal and grow from it. I am still accepting what happened, but I am hopeful and I know I’m not alone. Neither are you. This assault, no matter how “big or small” does not define you. You will persevere. Stay strong.
Dear Survivor:
You are stronger and more beautiful then you realize. Love yourself.
Dear Survivor:
You did not deserve this abuse. Stay strong!
Dear Survivor:
You are beautiful! You are amazing! You are strong!
Dear Survivor:
Be kind to yourself. It takes grace and courage to walk the path you are on. Please know that there is beauty in the darkness… YOU! You are stronger than you realize because you are still standing. You are a SURVIVOR and you are not alone. – Fellow survivor, Rachelle Sutton-Corbett
Dear Survivor:
The past is not your fault, but the future is your opportunity. I challenge you to live your lie in spite of the past, to show the world that you are a survivor. So – Fight on!
Dear Survivor:
I’m sorry for all the hurt you had to endure and I’m sorry you ever had to be that strong. You should have been protected. Please know you’re not alone. Even when it may feel like you are.
Dear Survivor:
I am sorry for what they have done to you. I believe that your clothing makes no difference. There are zero excuses/reasons for sexual assault. I truly feel and hear your pain. I’m grateful you survived and had the immense courage & strength to share your story even if you anonymous. I believe in YOU!!!! You are a fighter and survivor. Continue to be strong and continue to spread awareness for those who cannot. With all the love in my tiny being – Isaiah
Dear Survivor:
No matter what happened. Just know you are being heard. You are worthy, strong & beautiful!
Dear Survivor:
Please know it is not your fault. You are not dirty or worthless. You are loved. God see’s and knows your pain. Let him heal you. He healed and redeemed me.
Dear Survivor:
IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!
Dear Survivor:
You are much more than what they did to you. Please do not let that affect the way you view yourself. You are wonderful and strong! It will get better. Talk about this!! Do not keep it to yourself!
Dear Survivor:
I’m sorry for what happened to you. As a fellow survivor I know for a fact the strength you had to have to not only keep living but to face each day and make sure you can move forward as best you can. In parting I want to share something that aides in my healing. My friend once told me this, “They should have never touched you like that.” You’re powerful – Survivor E
Dear Survivor:
I get it, it’s hard to come to terms with it. It’s hard to think that happened to you. But it’s not your fault and it never will be, you’re stronger than you think. Remember that! Tell that version of you that it wasn’t their fault. As a fellow survivor; you are strong, you are brave! And I’m proud of how far you have come!
Dear Survivor:
I love you. I know somedays are hard and unbearable to go through, but it will get better. You are strong and important. You can do this <3 Asia
Dear Survivor:
You aren’t alone. I know you are plagued with the memories of what happened, but you can overcome. They can never take our strength. As one survivor to another, take back what is yours; you are a force to be reckoned with. I will always support you. Love, Ricky
Dear Survivor:
You are worthy & mean more than what they did to you <3
Dear Survivor:
Know that you are being heard. Don’t ever stop talking about what happened. It might not feel like it, but you are educating those around you. You are showing that what you went through it not ok. That it should not be tolerated. You are giving strength to those that feel helpless. I am proud of you.