There are some hard truths that I think we need to consider before I share the next installment of my story. Like the fact that approximately ‘35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner.’ [http://www.unwomen.org]
Less than 40% of women who experience sexual assault will seek out help.
Less than 10% will seek help from law enforcement.
In Canada, these numbers are no less jarring. Of every 100 incidents of sexual assault that occur, it is estimated that only SIX are reported. It is also estimated that 60% of the women who are assaulted are under the age of 17.
I was a teenager myself when I was raped. I was familiar with my attacker.
My story is in line with the statistics we see – these statistics were pulled from 2020 studies. How many years has this pattern continued, then? How many women have held onto THEIR stories? Too afraid to speak, too vulnerable to share.
This is why I needed to share mine. Because in doing so, I want to encourage other women to see how what happened to them doesn’t have to define them – that instead, it’s the rest of the journey, the work, the mindset, the support that can write their ‘second chapter.’
‘When I needed a hero, I became my own.’ It rings over and over in my mind. It’s one of the reasons why NLP has become such an important part of my life and my work.
There are barriers and ‘traps’ that our subconscious mind sets for us – but they aren’t unbreakable.
It is my hope that in sharing my story, I will be able to achieve a few things.
First, I want to be as open and transparent as possible – in asking my clients to be vulnerable in a variety of ways; this feels like the right example to lead with.
Second, I want to prove to women who can relate to my experiences – or who have their own shame or traumas - that this story DOES come full circle, and it’s beautiful and powerful.
Third, I want to help others understand the power of our minds and how, with an open and willing approach (and a trusted guide), you CAN work through the things you may not even realize are stopping you.
I will be sharing the final installment of this first part of my story next week. I look forward to carrying this series through - to show how I went from hiding my attack out of fear for myself, my family, and my friends to being here, now, talking about it and sharing it with such a vast audience.
Thank you for joining me in this.
I also want to share this information for anyone who may need it: The Assaulted Women’s Helpline is “a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line for women in the province of Ontario.” 1 (866) 863 – 0511.
