It’s been a busy couple of days, days filled with thought provoking ideas, sharing, and the re-emphasis that we are not alone, no matter our hurt, no matter our success.

Did you know that more than 150,000 people in Cuyahoga County have been raped and never sought healing services? These survivors are three times more likely to suffer from depression, four times more likely to contemplate suicide, and twenty-six times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Have you ever heard of “Mokita” – the truth we all know, but agree to not talk about – let’s not agree, let’s talk about it. And for those affected by sexual assault, the victims, their families, their work places, their cities, our country – a bend in the road is not the end of the road. You are not alone; we shall overcome.

One in four girls, one in six boys will suffer from sexual violence. Give the above, for those rocked by sexual violence, is a roundabout with only one exit more apparent? If we keep going in circles and keep driving the same road over and over again, we only create ruts. And the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

Is there depth of our caring? Depth of our heart? Depth of our commitment, to each other? You can get out of a rut; you cannot defeat the grave. Will we give people an escape from the grave, a lift out of the rut of hurt and fear? We have to build new roads, offer exits that take those hurt to a road of healing, promise and a break in the circle of Don’t Tell; Don’t Trust; Don’t Feel. To be a Changemaker in word, and in action, iStand with Survivors of Sexual Assault.

For 41 years, “Cleveland Rape Crisis Center supports survivors of sexual violence, promotes healing and prevention and creates social change in our community," said a Rape Crisis Center brochure. “In Northeast Ohio, there are hundreds of thousands of rape survivors living in painful silence. The need is overwhelming. Resources are not.” Let’s change that.

Some days you win the rage, some days you’re simply glad to make progress. For you, for your mother, sister, niece, cousin, your neighbor, for Cuyahoga County, I urge you to get involved. iStand with Survivors of Sexual Assault is more than a slogan; check it out, and do what you can. Ripples heal, and so do you.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you; please share your story, with me.

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