A survivor's guide on identifying sexual assault.

Naming it is the first step.

TW: This post contains personal reflections and information about sexual assault.
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What no one tells you about naming it.

In the U.S., 81% of women report experiencing some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime.
1 in 5 women have experienced rape.

And those are just the reported numbers. We know many stories never make it to a survey or a hotline. They live inside people for years.

This post is for first for anyone who’s experienced sexual violence, and also for those who haven’t, because chances are, someone close to you has.

I want to share a piece of my story, and then offer a guide that I wish I had years ago. Something simple, grounding, and human.