Speak Out!

This message board is a space for all to speak out, survivors and their allies. By speaking out our voices will carry and we will be steps closer to stomping out sexual violence.

Thank you for your message and for being a part of the movement!

Liana Tampa	Incredible website - full of information and resources! Congratulations on finding a way to keep the message coming to those who either seek privacy or ease and efficiency... or both! Keep up the great work!
Lauren Salem State College	I am president of Campus Educators on Sexual Assault here at Salem State. I think your site is awesome for anyone trying to spread the word on college campuses that sexual assault is real and preventable if we all work together. I see education as the first step in prevention and your site gives wonderful tools and resources for the peer educator. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Lillian B. Melbourne, Florida	Awesome site! Your courage and passion for making a change is nothing short of spectacular! I am so proud to know you and I respect everything that you do and everything that you are! I love you guys!
Ashlyn Texas	Your story changed my life. After your program, I called my best friend and told her how important she is to me and how lucky I am to have her in my life. You are both brave for telling your story to people like me. When you said that sometimes we don't think about rape as something that will happen to us until it's too late I did not think much of it but then you told your story and I was like oh my God they're right. Thank you for making it real, for putting a face to something I thought could never happen to me. Thank you for all you do.
S.C.A.	Thank you for helping me realize I am not alone and that what I am feeling is normal.
Former Marine CA	I was raped by 2 of my Staff Sergeants when I was on recruiters assistance. I didn't tell anyone until almost a year later. I cried a lot and I didn't trust any of my male higher ups, and I got discharged from the Marines. I didn't tell on them, I didn't want to be told "that's why women don't belong in the military" and I felt like it was my fault because I shouldn't have been in that situation. I realize now, that I didn't "ask for it" and that it was their fault for taking advantage of me, when they are supposed to be the ones looking out for me. It's been 2 years since it's happened and I still don't like talking about it, but I did finally tell someone, but it didn't make a difference in the military world, I was out and on my dd214 it says that I had a "personality disorder" and my srb says that I was depressed and it was pre-existing, which ruins my chances of getting back in later. I still wish I would have said something a lot sooner, because who knows who else they have done that to in the last 2 years.
R.A. Baker Washington DC	You must begin to "tour" college campuses. In the meantime, however, every woman should read: "SAFETY FIRST FOR WOMEN" at: http://stopcrimenowrab.blogstream.com
Liz University of New Hampshire	I heard you both speak my in Fall 2006 at the University of Tampa. It is because of the two of you, my AXO sisters, family, and faculty like Kim Northup that gave me the strength I needed to become a survivor. While I can say I am almost completely there, I transferred home to UNH so that I can major in psychology and work with women as a crisis counselor. I volunteer for our Sexual Assault and Rape Prevention Program and am trying so hard to get them to incorporate you guys in our many ideas for Sexual Assault Awareness month - I would love to hear you speak again and thank you in person for all you have done for me. Thank you so much again and God bless you both! -Liz D.
Samantha Joliet IL	I was abused for many years and I think this is great support for all women. You let us know to be strong.
chat sue University of West Florida, Pensacola, F	It takes real visionary leadership to do what you two women that I have help to mentor at UWF when you were undergrads and I am an advisor/instructor, and taken it several steps further with your UFC program. What heartens me more is that now you are taking the lead in getting college age men to act too, to accept their roles as brothers to the young women who are the victims of sexual assault on and off campus. UWF 's counseling center has taken the step of starting a men's group, not to promote their macho image or further the stereotypes about their irresponsibility, but to get them to examine who they are as a group, and to stand up for their sisters on acquaintance rape, but also for a host of mutually beneficial steps to make a difference on campus, but also in their lives now and in the real world beyond college. Bravo to you two sisters, and to those men who are taking such a courageous first step to solving such a terribe blight on college life.
Jordan Vaughan University of California, San Diego [UCS	I have attended Take Back the Night, which is held annually at UCSD, every year of my college education, and every attendance has brought me renewed insight into the evils that plague this world and what I can do to eliminate them. I firmly believe that it is an honor and a joy as a man to respect and stand for women, especially those who have suffered sexual violence. I have never been the victim of sexual violence, but I know women who are victims. My first girlfriend was assaulted by at least one member of her family (her cousin) and my second was verbally abused by her father. I have peered into the horrors that they continually face and have sworn to never be a source of such anguish for anyone. I wholeheartedly support this movement (no, this revolution) and encourage everyone to stand together to end sexual violence.
marissa san diego, ca	I just participated in take back the nigh at UCSD and I must say I was sincerely moved. Thank you for all that you do. You two are an inspiration.
NM Vermont	I volunteer in a shelter. It's been amazing so far; supporting survivors! Its made me look at life in a whole new way. I feel empowered! I went to a take back the night last week. I wanted to speak out, but thought i might sound silly... i've thought it over, and I will do it next year. but i thought I could first start out here... i am a survivor of sexual assault... wow! that sounds weird to say, or type. me? i am 23 now, but when i was 16 and dating this guy. he wanted me to do things i wasn't ready for. he made me. he left. i never dated him again! so i guess why i wanted to speak out was to let young women know that even if somene isn forcing you to have sex, that other things they may force you to do is not ok! i didnt realize what he did was "rape" or "assault" until i was able to process it, and talk about it with my best friend. i guess thats it.
Katy Mount Union College	I'm so glad you guys came to speak to us, we all enjoyed it very much and can honestly say that we will be working towards helping others become more aware!! Thanks again ladies, you're wonderful.
Stacey Prussman NYC	This is a wonderful site and I am so inspired by you guys. Thank you for taking a stand and teaching other people how to as well. You are amazing ladies are changing the world!! Peace to you!! Stacey
Tara Tampa - Theta Phi!	Amazing website guys!!! Congratulations!!!
Katie Vickers Tampa, FL	After hearing your presentation I know that any school or organization would be lucky to have you there spreading your message. It is an important one that all need to hear. Good Luck! Great Site!
Amy Aurora, CO	Kelly and Becca, I'm so excited about all that is to come with the campaign! The website looks awesome- thanks so much for your unfading efforts, your faith and optimism, and your passion. You are undoubtedly changing lives!
Karen Pensacola Florida	You two ladies are changing the world for the better! I love the new web site! I am proud of you!
Erin Weed Hoboken, NJ	You girls rock. Great site!
Jennifer Lara, Anne Arundel Co Maryland	This is such an important initiative. Thank you both for your continued energy and passion.
Lisa Mitchels Largo, FL	Kelly and Becca - Congratulations for launching Unite For Change. What a powerful Campaign! I wish you both continued success. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." -Henry David Thoreau
Dr. Susan Dellinger Florida	At last! Becca and Kelly have articulated the core concepts they practice in their speaking and personal beliefs. The website is both informative and really beautifully designed. Kudos!
Val Tampa, FL	Becca and Kelly, Congrats on the new site! It looks really nice.. Thanks for all you do!
TK MASSACHUSETTS	The site looks great ladies. Awesome work, you both are amazing women but then again that was never in question. May much success come of your valiant and rewarding efforts. You are advocates and the voices of women throughout the world.
Jennifer Home of the Florida Gators!	Oprah here you come! Congrats on the launch of the new site, it is beautiful. if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Henry David Thoreau
Courtney NOLA	This site rocks!