Today, November 3rd, was the first ever All Survivors Day -- an international day dedicated to recognizing survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Today was all about hearing their stories, raising awareness and organizing to demand that survivors are protected and supported. Finally, survivors are being recognized and valued on an international stage.

Will you share what being a survivor means to you, and why it is so important to you that the VAWA is protected with your representative? 

Events were held across the country and around the world that focused on these themes. During the Kavanaugh hearings, we saw how much value there is in a story -- and especially the story of a survivor. When two survivors stopped Arizona Jeff Flake in an elevator and urged him to hear them, listen to them and look them in the eye while they retold the gut wrenching story of their rape, he was so moved that when he went back into the committee room, he demanded that an FBI investigation be held for Kavanaugh. Whether or not it was enough is another issue, but there is no question that when our representatives hear what we, their constituents go through as victims, they are impacted and influenced. It is critical that as we inch closer and closer to the reauthorization of the VAWA, our representatives are aware of what each and every one of us has gone through, and why the VAWA renewal is so important to us. 

November 3, 2018 is the first day in history that is dedicated to internationally recognizing survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence. As some would say, #TimesUp. We are no longer staying silent, and finally -- slowly and steadily, we are being recognized and making our way towards reform. It is only natural that we follow up with a reauthorization of the VAWA. 

Will you share what being a survivor means to you, and why it is so important to you that the VAWA is protected with your representative?

 You can call your representative at (202) 225-3121, or writing a letter always works too! The important part is that the story gets told. We are the people personally impacted by the VAWA legislation. We are the people who have interacted with the system, who needed the system and were failed by it, or who even may be someone who is not directly impacted, but know someone who is. These are the stories that should matter to our representatives when they vote. I know that I am personally still more comfortable writing about my story than talking about it, so you can find your representative's address here.