Sharing your story of being an abuse victim can be a powerful and important step in the healing process. It can help you to:

• Acknowledge the truth of what happened to you. When you keep your story to yourself, it can be easy to deny or minimize what happened. Sharing your story with someone you trust can help you to validate your experiences and come to terms with what happened.
• Find support and understanding. Talking about your experience with someone who understands what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful. They can offer you support, understanding, and guidance as you heal.
• Give back to others. Sharing your story can help to raise awareness of abuse and give hope to other survivors. It can also help to change the way that society views and responds to abuse.

If you are thinking about sharing your story, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Only share your story when you are ready. There is no right or wrong time to share your story. It is important to do it when you feel safe and comfortable.
• Choose who you share your story with carefully. You may want to share your story with a therapist, counselor, or other trusted professional. You may also want to share your story with friends, family, or other survivors.
• Be prepared for different reactions. Some people may be supportive and understanding, while others may not. It is important to be prepared for different reactions and to not let them discourage you from sharing your story.

If you are an abuse victim, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Sharing your story can be a powerful step in the healing process.  National Special Victims is a place to have your story read by people like you, who need to see they are not alone.  All stories are vetted first to ensure confidentiality.  Are you ready to share?  Use the form below.