#metoo
You are not alone. Together we can de-stigmatize speaking out about our experiences with sexual harassment, assault, and more.
Destruction
Before my eyes, everything I once had and loved got destroyed. Everything was taken from me—my pride, my virginity, my trust, my childhood and nothing I said or did could have stopped it. I was only 16-years-old turning 17 when it all had happened. I spent hours sitting in the corner of my room, hugging my knees, with tears flowing out my blood shot eyes as I bashed my head into every single wall in my room trying to figure out what I had done wrong.
By Aiyana Roman7 years ago in Viva
Don't Let "Love" Ruin You
From me, to really anyone. I was in a relationship for four years, and to everyone, I looked happy. I always had a smile on my face, I was hyper, I seemed like I was so happy in the relationship. Everything seemed to be going well, he taught me how to drive manual car, took me to my favorite places to eat, always kind and respectful with my parents, and proposed to me right after my graduation from high school...where everyone was home and shouting say yes...so I did. I regret it. He made us hide it from his parents, only my family knew. I should've noticed everything so much sooner, considering all that happened.
By Princess Martin7 years ago in Viva
How I Was Sexually Assaulted by My Boyfriend
I want to write about being sexually assaulted, but it didn't happen the way you'd imagine. He used to get me so high that I was paralyzed, and then he would do things to me that felt good. It felt good in my body, but was it really what I wanted mentally? In my head, I would wish for it to stop, but it looked like a different story because my body was reacting in a way that I couldn't control. He would give me orgasm after orgasm, resulting in me becoming so mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. I was also completely unable to say no in that situation. How is it sexual assault if it felt good? How is it sexual assault if it's your boyfriend?
By Amanda Doyle7 years ago in Viva
A Life of Fear and Silence
Can you remember your very first memory? Your very first thought? Do you ever wish that you could erase some of those very first memories? I live with that wish every single day of my life. I am a 23 year woman living with the fears of a six year old little girl. Let me take you back into my past with the hopes that my memories do not burden you as much as they do me.
By Charlee Love7 years ago in Viva
#Metoo Chapter One Virginity
Virginity was a topic my peer group growing up took very seriously. Being the child of teen pregnancy made me extra cautious and anxious about the whole idea of "losing" it. The idea of being in a relationship or having any sort of intimate contact made me very uncomfortable. Due to that, I avoided all forms of intimacy altogether, including even a kiss.
By All us humans .7 years ago in Viva
Rape Culture Has Convinced Me to Find a New Job
In a world where 1/3 of women are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, being a rideshare driver has always had its risks. I mean, after all, you are letting total strangers into your car late at night, but between my stun gun and the fact that the app tracks you, I haven't been too terribly worried.
By Shelby Taylor7 years ago in Viva
Why Don't Women Just Come Forward?
In recent years, there have been many allegations of sexual abuse that allegedly happened in the past, the most recent being Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. This particular incident happened over 30 years ago in which he supposedly groped, grinded on, and held his hand over her mouth. People are wondering why she didn’t come forward sooner. I can only speak from a male perspective of my own.
By James Howell7 years ago in Viva
It's Not Okay for Men to Behave That Way
Scenario One: A 17 year-old-girl is learning to drive. Her driving instructor takes her to a country road to practise stopping and starting the car. His arm is stretched behind her, slung round the back of her seat. It makes the girl uncomfortable, but she tells herself it's okay. Her instructor asks her to pull up at the side of the road. She's getting bored doing this, and wonders when she's going to start doing some proper driving. Her instructor moves a little closer, then purses his lips and heads towards her cheek as if to kiss her. The girl blushes as she pulls away. "Oh, I didn't think you were shy," says her instructor. The lesson continues.
By Dorothy Massey7 years ago in Viva
Surviving Sexual Trauma Part 1
What is the biggest secret you have ever kept? What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? You may think that it is something terrible, something horrible. Maybe it is, or maybe it is only for that moment and that it will get better for you. That your big secret isn't so big and that the worst thing to ever happen to you really isn't so bad upon looking at the big picture.
By Erika Farrah7 years ago in Viva
