Woman with Wings (Censored Edition)
This post was edited to be more family friendly. The original Woman with Wings with some nudity can be found here: Woman with Wings
You had to live in an ice cave to miss all the news of the Dugger family the past month. It was in every Facebook newsfeed and news story and just when you think it’s enough a new tidbit would pop up. There are wonderful bloggers that wrote about the story highlighting the problems with society and covering up sexual abuse.
I was sick to my stomach every time I read a new angle on the story, but every time that we speak out about sexual abuse is a victory.
It breaks down the boundaries of silence and it makes it easier for the next survivor to come out and tell their story.
Here is mine:
There are many words that define me.
Woman, mother, wife.
Photographer, blogger, victim.
When I was a student I was date raped in an University Dorm. I suffer from PTSD and had night terrors for years.
With the help of a therapist and my wonderful husband I worked through the process from victim to SURVIVOR.
Part of my process was taking photos of wonderful women and doing an artistic series called Woman with Wings.
This series is a reflection of my personal journey and do not in any way imply that men cannot be victims of sexual violence.
I want to thank all the wonderful women donated their time and faces for the project. It is not implied that they were survivors of sexual assault or violence, only that they were kind enough to believe in my project and to help me with my healing process. Without your help the Woman with Wings project would not have been possible. There is not enough words in the world to express how much I appreciated your help.
If you are a victim of sexual assault you can reach out for help at RAINN. Rainn provides support for sexual assault victims and their loved. You can contact them at 800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org.
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This post was linked here: Marvelous Monday Mommy Monday Blog Hop Monday Madness AnythingGoes Link Party Manic Mondays Blog Hop Share the Joy Twinkly Tuesday Turn it up Tuesday LouLou Girls Fabulous Party Totally Terrific Tuesday Little R & R Wine’d down Wednesdays Share with Me Mad Mid Week Blog Hop Wednesday’s Wisdom Waiting on Wednesday
Really profound words and pictures – I’m so glad you have the courage to speak out.
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…a time of transition
What an amazing project – congratulations #sharethejoy
Mummy Fever recently posted…The distracted mummies guide to hydration
Thank you for sharing your story with us at #anythingGoes #8. Your project is beautiful and congratulations
Sue recently posted…How Travel Changes Us
Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s very vulnerable to share something like this, but I hope that it will continue to heal you. Thank you for sharing at the #AnythingGoes Link Party.
Sandy Sandmeyer recently posted…Prostate Rite: Advanced Prostate Support
You are very brave! Thanks for speaking up and highlighting this important issue x #Sharewithme
Baby Isabella recently posted…Baby Isabella is going to Blissfields!
What an inspirational project you have done. You are so brave and thank you for sharing. #MMWBH
Sophie @ Mum, M & More recently posted…Life before M
Inspirational. Thank you for sharing. #WaitingonWednesday
Lavinia recently posted…Day 12: 6am workout
This is a brave post because sharing our hurt and fears leaves us exposed but this bravery demonstrates that things can be different and by sharing your experiences you will help more people than you will ever know. I am humbled by your experiences and please know that this was not your fault and you have my respect because you are a powerful woman making a difference. Linking up with #MMWBH Mel xx
Melanie Greenhalgh recently posted…Moving the Conversation Forward on Domestic and Family Violence
This is an amazing, powerful project. I’m sorry for what you have been through, and for the pain everyone involved in this project has felt. You’ve taken on something brave and empowering! Thank you for sharing and linking up at the Manic Mondays blog hop!
Meredith@MommyAtoZ recently posted…5 Lessons I’ve Learned from My Daughter’s First Year of School
Thank you. Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for giving victims a voice so that we can become survivors. I was raped by my boyfriend in college. I was raped by my husband. I’m a survivor. Thank you for linking with #TwinklyTuesday.
Sadia recently posted…Toddler Thursday: Parenting After Teaching
Thank you fot sharing this courageous post at #sharethejoy and for speaking out – I hope that this helps others to find their voice x
Michelle Reeves (Bod for tea) recently posted…Beaches, islands and film festivals – living #thejamesway
It’s amazing how many people are sexually assaulted in college. Thank you for sharing your story and these powerful images.
Melissa recently posted…The Illusion of Perfection
Powerful words and pictures. Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story with us at Waiting on…Wednesday.
Holly @ http://www.iwillservewhileiwait.blogspot.com
Holly recently posted…Friday Favorites – has anyone seen my brain?!
You are so strong and what a great cause to support and get out there. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me. Hope to see you again tomorrow for another great round. #sharewithme
Jenny recently posted…Siblings {June}