Why I didn’t report

Written in 2018 prior to processing it all

I was sexually assaulted by someone I was supposed to love, trust, and care about. This violation was a betrayal. And I fell into a pattern of anger, guilt, shame, and fear. Who all would judge me, shame me? Not believe me? Who else would be hurt by knowing this story? I turned to an anonymous online resource for victims and survivors, but didn’t know how to proceed. It was such a traumatic and difficult experience. I didn’t know what to do.

But do not feel pity for me. Do not say you are sorry. Do not feel shame for me. I am…