January 19, 2021

FOR THE SURVIVORS NOT BELIEVED

What about me. I was here. I told the truth. You said you believed me. But not beyond a reasonable doubt. Not even a 50% chance I’m telling the truth. You keep asking kids to tell. Do you see me? I was here. What about me?

This is for all the survivors that will not have a pinwheel planted for them during Child Abuse Awareness Month.

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This is for all the survivors that did report but weren’t believed.

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This is for all the survivors that were told there is not enough evidence.

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This is for all the survivors that had a prosecutor or judge stand up for their abuser – instead of them.

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This is for all the survivors hearing children being told to tell – but they did tell and it only hurt more.

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This is for all the survivors that were a part of the statistic that reported but are not a part of the statistic that was found true.

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This is for all the survivors seeing the people wearing blue for Child Abuse Awareness Month that didn’t defend them.

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This is for all the survivors seeing people clap at a rally for the people that made them feel worthless.

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This is for all the survivors that see their city light up blue but remain silent about their pain.

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This is for all the survivors that drive around all month watching the pinwheels spin.

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This is for all the survivors that were told that it doesn’t matter whether their abuser is arrested or not.

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If you were not believed, protected, and defended it does matter.

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It matters a lot.

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You should never have been abused – especially by someone that was supposed to protect you.

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You should never have been harmed again by asking for help – especially from those that were supposed to protect you.

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You did what everyone asked you to do and what happened to you is not okay.

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You are worthy of whatever it would take to defend you.

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Your story matters.

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You matter.

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We see you.

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We believe you.

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We are going to tell everyone you’re here.

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We cry with you.

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We stand with you. We are going to fight for you.