In Honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SURVIVORS: Break the Silence of Violence 

Empty

I will never forget that day, when they stole my life.

I asked them not to, begged them, but they never looked back.

I remember what it felt like to have hope--

to see love down the road.

Now all I see is pain.

I still feel their fingers on me sometimes.

They feel like sandpaper against my wooden skin.

'Asleep or awake?'

Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

Why can't it be enough?

Why can't I be enough... anymore?

Because they took too much,

and left me.

Empty.

~Anonymous teen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cEc3aQOP-o

Spoken word artist Andrea Gibson's powerful poem on violence against women: "Blue Blanket"

RESOURCES:  

Here are some helpful organizations for teens that are looking for resources for themselves or someone they know who has or is currently experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence.

1)      Children’s domestic violence program (206)568-7859

2)      Consejo Counseling & Referral Service-Teen Advocacy (206)461-4880

3)      Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN): Emergency Housing (24hrs) 1 (866)286-3296

4)      Eastside Domestic Violence Crisis Line (24hrs) 1(800) 827-8840

5)      Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian, & Gay Survivors of Abuse (206)568-7777

6)      WA State Domestic Violence Hotline (24hrs) 1(800)562-6025

7)      YMCA Children’s Domestic Violence Program (206) 568-7859

Also, if you ever just need someone to talk to Teen Link is open every night from 6-10pm. It is confidential, non-judgmental, and open to talk about and listen to whatever you want to talk about.
(866) TEENLINK (833-6546) or (206)461-4922

Or visit our website to use our online chat service at  WWW.866TEENLINK.ORG