Here's to the One's Who Were Silenced

Here's to the ones who were silenced.

To all the mouths that were covered by stronger hands as he whispered, "Don't tell a soul."

Here's to the girl who was taught incorrectly what love really is.

Here's to quiet tears while she hides in a dark corner, knowing she'll never be too far for him to find.

Here's to the girl who was raped and accused of lying.

Here's to the girls who were tricked into sex--who said yes when they really meant no--who were bullied into consent.

Here's to the boys and girls who felt betrayed and used by a family member they trusted never to hurt them.

Here's to the four-year-olds, eight-year-olds, 16-year-olds who don't have the voice to tell what happened to them.

Here's to the ones who were silenced.