by Teresa Renee Hunt
For New Pittsburgh Courier
“Can’t nobody take my pride, can’t nobody hold me down, oh no, I got to keep on movin’!”
Although these lyrics are a throwback from Puff & Mase, the words ring true for me today, and I encourage you to let them sing for you, too.
As April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I dedicate this article to my beautiful sisters who are standing tall and triumphant, despite what they’ve endured. Not only are you surviving, but you are thriving! You continue to overcome the odds that were stacked against you from the moment you were sexually assaulted. Yes, you recognize that someone’s selfish ambition and disregard for your personal space was a violent blow against you, but you refuse to walk around as a victim. Certainly, the assault has brought about mental opposition, and at times, caused you to question your virtuous position. Nevertheless, you keep on moving!
Like me, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the often-overlooked side effects of trauma. Moreover, the fear of victim shaming may have kept you silent for some time. No more, sis! It’s time to let your story be heard. The fact is, you’ve made it! You are still here. This means, you are an overcomer. You are victorious! You are strong. You are resilient! Because of this, you have a message of motivation to share, and you have a testimony that needs to be told. Whether or not you decide to report your perpetrator is your choice, however, don’t let the sexual assault experience steal your voice!
For years, fourteen to be exact, my lips were sealed. That is, until I released my first book in 2015, entitled, “Positioned To Be Found: How To Prepare Yourself For Marriage Right Now.” The entire first chapter of the book is about the experience. I was on a quest to speak out, empower others, and walk uprightly as a woman who is healed. I am still committed to this cause and will forever be. In order to save others from the torment of their untold story, and for the sake of my sanity, I decided to break the silence. Immediately after, freedom and peace swept through my life like the strong winds of a tropical storm, and I welcomed the high-level waters of my newly found liberty. It was much better than the rivers I cried since the age of 16 as I journeyed through life with a smile and a “beautiful” disguise.
Like many victims, after the rape, regretfully, I chose to protect his identity at the expense of mine. Today, however, I am grateful to have stepped into my calling and purpose as a teacher, encourager, minister, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. I am a woman of power! I know my identity and I am grateful that what I’ve experienced does not dictate who I am. I never thought I’d say this, but the pain I went through helped shape me into the person I am today, and I believe the same is true for you. It’s an amazing phenomenon that God will take the very thing that was meant to harm you and work it out for your good!
Sis, your voice matters. Your story matters. You are more than what you’ve gone through! You are not a sexual assault victim; you are a woman who is victorious! Go on with your powerful self. Keep on moving forward. Unleash your voice and share your message of triumph because, “Can’t nobody hold you down.”
You are a perseverant woman full of power and purpose. Share your journey and your victories. The world needs to hear your story!
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