"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"

- Margaret Mead

"Accepting, acknowledging, then speaking out as a victim of sexual assault was like leaping off a cliff and not knowing whether you were safe or not, just knowing it was the right thing to do”. 

Many victims may never speak out about being sexually assaulted.  Many victims in our communities may  never report their assault to the police.  

“It is a tough emotional process when you acknowledge to yourself that you are a victim of violence, an abhorrent criminal act which steals your trust, your faith in people, erodes the parts of your relationships which made them good.  Everything about your life changes, there are days when I don’t really know the person in my body, but I want to find her again”

Sexual assault impacts on many areas of victims lives.  Victims experience anger, guilt, depression, anxiety and may withdraw socially, may isolate themselves from friends and loved ones.  Violence accounts for 40% of female deaths in Australia each year.

“The sexual assault may have taken many things, I just don't know if they'll ever return.  I will not let violence take any more from me, not my friends, my family and my ability to hold on to life, to hope and to speak out for other survivors”.

The strength of victims to survive sexual assault is inspiring.  We must find courage in the support of each other, strength in our unity,  our passion for change and speak out to make a difference, to create a safer place for women.