#metoo
You are not alone. Together we can de-stigmatize speaking out about our experiences with sexual harassment, assault, and more.
Barely Legal
I was barely legal. But I had this burning desire and tireless ambition to become a pharmacist - ever since I was twelve years old. Everything I had done so far in life was to put myself in a position to network, learn and surround myself with the most influential healthcare professionals in the industry; I craved knowledge. I am a sapiosexual, so if you could fire up these neurons, my attraction was soon to follow.
By Andrea N. Turner5 years ago in Viva
When You Feel Unsafe, Do You Start to Lie?
When the seed of doubt blooms and you decide you need to protect yourself, when do you start to lie? Right before I started working in New York City, I had a concerning encounter when waiting for a train. Parking was an absolute nightmare since I was a daily parker, not a permit parker. After that twenty-minute ordeal of squeezing into an absurdly tiny space from an absurdly tiny lane that didn’t leave much navigating room, I went up and waited with all the other sad commuters standing out in the twenty-degree weather.
By Leigh Victoria Phan, MS, MFA5 years ago in Viva
Call of the Wild
CALL OF THE WILD Charlotte rested in her twin bed tucked away and alert, predicting the nightly visitor she had become familiar with. That night, the rain drips sounded loud, louder than ever before, knocking against the glass window. So heavy the rain falls, Charlotte is reminded of her Pa’s hollow guitar he used to play, sounding her and her younger brother Ted off to bed. Trying to fall asleep, she secured herself beneath the hand woven quilt her mama had given her. It’s soft texture made her smile briefly. However, she is unable to relax and enjoy the memory for too long because Uncle Pete would show up soon for his usual nightcap – at least that’s what he’d call it.
By Prime Tyme Fitnez5 years ago in Viva
Because I Wanted It At First
I think I lost my mind, I think I lost my passion, and somewhere in time I think I lost myself too. Sitting in a bathtub with my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. I was shaking, but honestly the worst part was that I was confused. I didn’t know what he had done to my body until two weeks later. I told myself that I wanted it, and I even lied and told my friends that it was the best sex I ever had.
By VikingIndie5 years ago in Viva
We Need to Talk
My experience took place when I was seven. I’m not going to go into detail, partly because over the years I’ve pushed a lot of them out of my mind. It almost feels like a weird nightmare at this point, 20 years later. Also, I take trigger warnings seriously and wouldn’t want anyone to be affected by the violent details I do remember. What I will say is that it involves being locked in a closet with two younger brothers while the older brother played video games with his back against the door. All of the perpetrators were under 15. And because of something some people familiar with fundamental religions call “the two witness rule” no one was ever charged. My attackers grew up and moved away unscathed. No one ever knew.
By Samantha Williams5 years ago in Viva
Letter to My Rapist
You’re a rapist but I’m stupid and weak so it’s my fault. You raped me [says name]. Everything is different now. I don’t get excited when you call me. I don’t feel like keeping you in my house when you come by. I am in a trance of bracing myself and being defensive towards anything and anyone.
By Kadrian Oliver5 years ago in Viva
My Life
A Glimpse My sister and I were at my grandmother’s house lying on a mattress that was placed on the floor. We were down on the mattress when uncle Jean walked into the room, inebriated - his breathe, reeking alcohol. I was only eight years old at that time and my sister was just four. He laid on the mattress with us at the bottom where our feet were positioned, with Vaseline in his hands. Curiosity wouldn’t let me be as I stare oddly at what he was about to do with the Vaseline. Few seconds later, I felt a sensation down my feet; uncle Jean was massaging my feet with the Vaseline. I remember him going up my legs and that of my sister’s too, but I can’t remember anything else from those filthy sessions. Years later, Tanya, my sister, came to consciously remember what had happened to her; she remembered being molested.
By Dawana Davis5 years ago in Viva
My Voice Has Power
Why doesn't she eat anything? Is she hurting herself on purpose? She probably just wants attention. I heard it all growing up. When I was 16, I was raped by a stranger. As a 16 year old perfectionist, I blamed myself. I had already struggled with body image issues and eating disorder tendencies so when the assault happened, I spiraled.
By Staci Dillon5 years ago in Viva
Why did you stay silent?
“Why did you stay silent for so many years?” is my favourite question among all the others I often receive. For a long time I claimed it was my fear of him, my family, or what people would say about me, but the truth is that I was only eight years old when it all started.
By Jatsue Sanvicente5 years ago in Viva
Experience that changed my life
I am 21 years old woman and it is just the perspective of my, young woman, who are not against all men, view. I can start with statistics and all the data around the world about how many, how young girls have been sexually attacked, insulted or just manipulated by opposite of sex. Even though, this time I am going to talk just about my experience.
By Mysterious A5 years ago in Viva
