The Hurt, Pain, Guilt, and Support an editorial by Brittany
The Hurt, Pain, Guilt, and Support
By: Brittany Walker, for English
30A, Posted October 19, 2017 10:58 AM Last updated: 11/03/2017
You
never think it is going to happen… Until it is too late. I’m writing on behalf
of those who have been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted. Everyone knows
that sexual assault/harassment happens. Who’s taking a stand behind it? First,
I’m going to tell you my story.
“I was waiting for my ride home afterschool
one day in grade 9 with my best friend. She told me that she started talking to
this guy online. When I was shown the messages, I knew something was wrong. I
then went home and downloaded the app “Yetti”. I quickly received a message
from the same person. He asked to meet after a few days of talking, and hang
out for a while. I agreed. He came to pick me up and we then went to Booster
Juice. Later on he asked to watch movies back at his place. I agreed. When we
got to his house, we were choosing a movie to watch… We didn’t find one that
interested us, so we just watched a baseball game. We just started watching
when he grabbed me and started kissing me. I told him to stop. He then pushed
my arms down onto the couch so I couldn’t move. He then forced himself inside
of me. When I contacted the police, they went to meet him and gave him a
“warning”.”
The graph below states how many people have been affected by sexual assault and harassment. (Percentage wise) Although, these are only the people that have been able to tell someone/report the abuser. There are a lot more people who have been affected by this.
The graph below states how many people have been affected by sexual assault and harassment. (Percentage wise) Although, these are only the people that have been able to tell someone/report the abuser. There are a lot more people who have been affected by this.
Seeing that graph… How does that
make you feel? We are told that equality is made here in Canada. My abuser was
a Caucasian man. I guarantee that if the man was aboriginal, he would’ve gotten
more consequences other than a “warning”. There are perpetrators all over the
world; some cases have not been dealt with fairly.
Millions of people know of these situations
happening; none are speaking up. Do you know why? Because they are terrified
that when they open up, they will not be heard. Once some of the victims know
that they will be heard and people will listen; they’ll tell their stories. Telling
their stories will relieve so much pain and guilt that they have towards
themselves. I’m a victim of rape. I’ve spent the past 2 years blaming myself
for the event that happened. Until I posted my story online and saw that people
cared, and supported me. People shared my story on Facebook, to support the
trouble I’ve been through. They showed support, and asked how they could help.
Sharing your story will help you in so many ways. Especially relieving the
guilt you have towards yourself. After sharing my story, I have been a lot
happier, and I’m ready to help those who can’t bear to help themselves.
My name is Brittany Walker. On
November 3rd, 2017 I can now say that I am free.
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