About the Epstein Victims...

[usedtobedemgurl]

8. I survived a couple of rapes.

I call myself, and others, survivors because, well it is hard to explain with a brain Injury. I guess if you are a victim, it feels like they still have power over you. Without them, there is nothing to be a victim of. But if you are a survivor, that is all you. you were strong. Something happened but you came out on the other side and you survived. A lot of survivors do not need pity. I have seen pity in people's eyes when I tell them about my rapes. I want people to see my strength.

For months, I could not use the word rape. I always said, "When he did what he did to me.". The day that changed, I took back the power for myself, and I used the word survivor for me and others. I bet if you asked others, they would want the word survivor used instead of victim. In our culture, or at least for me, survivor is more powerful and gives the person more strength.