YES, this!!! I, too, am a rape survivor. I diminished myself for far too long, believing that I was less than worthy of sympathy, counseling, or support in my healing journey because what happened to me constantly called something-other-than-rape.
We absolutely need to call rape what it is, in ALL its forms. Calling it *anything* other than rape minimizes the violence that is being perpetrated every single day. It ignores the trauma of the victims, who are left to wallow in their pain and shame, isolated and lonely. It turns a blind eye to the aggressors, implying that what they say and do is just fine, thereby encouraging them to do it again and again.
I was raped. And, like you, J Haley Phillips, I have dedicated my life to work that empowers others to know and express themselves fully and joyously! Thank you for boldly sharing the darkness from your past, that others might learn from your path and follow you in your loving light!!!
