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Survivors Demand Urgent Funding for Crime Victim Services

The following statement is from a San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR) staff member who used SFWAR services prior to joining our staff. It was written Friday, May 24, 2024

It’s with a mix of trepidation and courage that I’m writing to you today. My words carry the weight of experiences that have shaped me in profound ways, and I hope you’ll receive them with empathy and understanding.

I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Those words alone are heavy, laden with the weight of trauma and pain, but they also speak volumes about resilience, strength, and the enduring human spirit. For too long, I carried this burden in silence, suffocating under the weight of shame and fear. The road to healing has been arduous, marked by countless setbacks and moments of despair. There were times when I doubted whether I would ever find my way back to myself, whether the scars etched into my soul would ever fade. But through the darkness, I discovered a reservoir of strength within me, a resilience that refused to be extinguished.

I chose to break that silence, to reclaim my voice and my story. In 2010 I decided it was time to seek healing I searched and searched and came across San Francisco Women Against Rape. I was surprised that an organization like this existed in the community. I reached out to them to get counseling services. I could not afford therapy and was struggling to make ends meet. The support they gave was priceless, they supported me when institutions who are supposed to provide help were dismissive of me. Their services are free, not everyone can afford to pay 300 for counseling and if it wasn’t for SFWAR I would not be standing here today. They gave me a voice that I continue to use today. 

I’ve learned that healing is not a linear journey. It’s messy and nonlinear, marked by highs and lows, breakthroughs and setbacks. There are days when the memories come crashing back with such force that it feels like I’m drowning all over again. And yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of lightness, of hope, of quiet triumph. 

SFWAR made a difference in my life as a survivor and for that I am so grateful that they are here because I know that they care about the community they serve and support. 

I’ve also come to realize that healing is not a solitary endeavor. It requires the unwavering support of loved ones, the guidance of compassionate people, and the solidarity of fellow survivors. Each person who has lent me their strength, their kindness, their empathy has played a crucial role in my journey towards healing. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

But even as I navigate my own path towards healing, I am acutely aware of the countless others who continue to suffer in silence. The stigma surrounding sexual abuse remains pervasive, shrouding survivors in shame and isolation. It’s a stigma that must be dismantled, replaced by a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.

It is important that places like SFWAR are supported so that they can continue the work of supporting survivors. 

So, to my fellow survivors, I want you to know that you are not alone. Your pain is valid, your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Together, we can shatter the silence, break the chains of shame, and reclaim our power. Agencies like SFWAR help us find our voice in a world where we are silenced. 

And to those who have not experienced sexual abuse, I urge you to educate yourselves, to listen with an open heart, and to stand in solidarity with survivors, to support organizations who work with survivors because without them survivors will have nowhere to turn for help.  Organizations such as these have a profound impact on survivors and the community. The VOCA funding cuts of nearly 50% will have devastating consequences for survivors like me, exacerbating an already challenging journey towards healing and recovery. These cuts reduce access to essential support services such as counseling, advocacy and crisis hotlines, leaving survivors feeling isolated and unserved. Without adequate funding, organizations dedicated to supporting survivors may close and/or greatly reduce services. It’s imperative that we recognize the importance of sustained funding for these vital services and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of survivors  

Thank you for taking the time to hear my words, to bear witness to my truth. May we all find the courage to speak out against injustice, to extend a hand of compassion to those in need, and to walk together towards a future free from violence and fear.

With hope and solidarity.