And if I die today I'll be the happy phantom,
and I'll go chasing the nuns out in the yard,
and I'll run naked through the streets without my mask on...

The most instrumental part of my healing has been the connections I've made with other survivors.  There is so much comfort in just knowing that you are not alone...

We read the numbers and statistics and so we're aware that rape and sexual assault exist, but it still feels abstract, and so we feel distanced from it.  But put faces and voices to those numbers, and it all becomes much more real.

Over the past several months, I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of survivors and each connection, no matter how brief, was a blessing.  I've spoken to both men and women, ranging in age and from all different backgrounds.  Some are just starting out in their healing, others are several years down the road...and each one has shared with me something that gave me strength, hope, and comfort.

If you are a survivor of rape or sexual assault, please consider reaching out.  The first suggestion I would make is to join a mailing list for survivors.  The one I belong to is called Ripple Back to Me, and it was started by Shannon from Welcome to Barbados. 

Ripple Back to Me has over 200 members, and we post regularly about everything from issues surrounding our healing to celebrating good news.

To join Ripple Back to Me, you can either visit Shannon's site here or go to Onelist.  There are also several other lists for survivors, and lists for the loved ones of survivors as well. 

Another way to connect is through a message board.  Shannon and Lis, from Escaping Hades, have a message board called Pandora's Aquarium.  On the message board, you can post about any topic you'd like to discuss or respond to another survivor's post.

Another great resource for survivors is the chat room at Welcome to Barbados, called Peel Out the Watchword.  This was also created by Shannon, and it's a fabulous way to immediately connect with other survivors.

Finally, helping other rape and sexual assault survivors can be a great way to take our experiences and use them in a positive way.  Local rape crisis centers are usually run primarily by volunteers, and always need more help.  To find a local rape crisis center near you, contact R.A.I.N.N.

If you don't have time to volunteer, please consider supporting R.A.I.N.N. through membership or purchases through Amazon Books.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions, or suggestions on other ways survivors can connect.

Together in the journey,
Laura

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