End the Silence Campaign is now seeking submissions for Volume 2 and 3 of In Our Own Words, a publication that features stories, poetry, and art by survivors of rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. Check out the submission guidelines by clicking below. Deadline for submissions is November 15, 2011. New and returning writers and artists welcome!
In stunning prose, Jenn takes us on a journey through survival and healing that leaves the reader breathless. She describes the seemingly endless range of feelings that crush like an avalanche against us, sifting through the negative and positive to reveal simple hope. In her words:
“It feels as though every painting you’ve ever done is a gift from it. It feels enlightening. Being without it, would be nonchalance. This hole has festered, yet sprouted something promising. A branch of association. To take ownership of a feral estate is finally freedom. You feel connected to something. Soon, you feel like screaming out instead of into pillow. Because you came to see you’re blameless. The guilt and shame are still insisting in their own formidable ways, but you can yell out like you couldn’t before. The shame in the word, in the opinions of others, is gone. You want to invite conversation, so that no one will feel as empty as you once did. Because there are many of you. So very many.”
Read It Feels by Jenn.
With bold colors and simple designs, Kelly explores the wide range of emotions that rape survivors experience. Explore her work and then check out some more of the challenging and inspiring art submitted by End the Silence supporters.
Check out some new stories and poetry on End the Silence campaign. Stay posted as the site continues to be updated!
Alaina M. – My Story
Danielle – What Could Have Been
Julie Cruickshank – Victim or Survivor
Jurate Leslie R. – Amusement
Kelly Gorman – After
Kelly Gorman – Empty Eyes
Laura Hardesty – My Story
Madeleine Leitz – 1 or 2
Megan Molargik – When I Said ‘No’
Melissa Cohn – Collected Poems
Rebecca Altringer – The Story of My Life
S. Amick – My Story
Sharra Smith – My Story
In “Angels of Silence,” a poem dedicated to his ex-girlfriend and survivors of rape and sexual violence everywhere, Bryan expresses his anger and frustration lyrically and powerfully. In his words:
“so I will never stop fighting
this is for everyone with the same story
as long as I have breath and vocal cords
hands that can write and a will that can fight
we can shape the future one small piece at a time
I do believe that every dark tunnel has a glint of light
keep your head up my angel I know you can shine
I know your wings can fly
carry on and don’t let the fire die
everything will get better
it is only a matter of time”
Art is an incredibly powerful tool for self-expression and healing. For me, painting is my best friend, and the simple act of touching paint to canvas can release months’ worth of stress and anxiety. Our new gallery features artwork by Catherine Tafur and Kelly Tobias, two artists whose paintings and drawings appeared in In Your Own Words, End the Silence Campaign’s first e-journal. Make sure you check out this amazing art! And, don’t forget to submit your own artwork to End the Silence Campaign.
Check out In Our Own Words, our publication of stories, poetry, and art created by sexual violence survivors.
Today’s feature is a story about overcoming abuse in a strict, religious family. In this story, K. Long discusses the many ways she tried to heal from what happened, from therapy to reading to journaling. What finally helped her begin the healing process was meeting other survivors and begin to share her story. She shares her story with all of you here as she continues in the process of healing and survival. Read K. Long’s story.
