May 21. It’s the day that I work so hard to reclaim every year. The day I was 26. Alone. Attacked. Beaten. Raped. Left. But it does not belong to them. It is mine. And …
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May 21 — Painiversary, Reclaim the Day
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One Year Breaking Free
One year ago today (19th) one of my rapists was released from prison—two days before the anniversary of the day he attacked, raped, and left me for dead (21st). He wasn’t serving time for rape. …
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#ReturnTheLetter
I found a place for my letter. Yes, THAT letter. At the end of September, while everyone was gripped by the scenes of Dr Blasey Ford’s interrogation by a prosecutor from Maricopa County, AZ, I …
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Soiled Innocence
Today, oh what a dear blessing to my soul. I was able to visit the home my family lived in when I was 0-4. Southeast Portland (Woodstock). Marcia, a precious family friend who lived two …
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Hear the Voices of the Nine Million
A sexual assault happens every 99 seconds in the US. That’s over 321,000 survivors. EVERY year. 92-98% of claims are proven true. That means at least 295,000 of them are telling the truth. Based on …
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No Man’s Land
I was reminded today that some of my posts might imply I’m on the other side of the battle—risen and racing ferociously through to advocacy for survivors. Having it all together. Strong. Warrior. Clean post-battle …
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Today I Gave Up
Today I gave up. My soul crashed. What am I fighting for? What are we kicking at? The deep wells of anguish rose in my voice as I left my advocate a message: the uphill …
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Sound of Silence
“When the solid ground is falling down underneath my feet; between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see….” — Eye of the Storm I woke today in anguish. Heart and soul …
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In the Rush, When Do I Start…?
Each time I speak or travel, I am asked when my story is coming. I have a map of the work and timeline on my wall with little lines, arrows, and dashes that I'm sure I knew meant something at some point. The ever-rising tasks of the nonprofit and business world make it appear impossible to start. Amidst the inundation, I am simply going to leap.
BilliJoy 