I am not a survivor of rape. No one has sexually assaulted me. I have nothing to report. As a woman who is not a survivor of sexual assault, I want to take a moment to say something to the women who are.
 
I am proud of you.
 
I am proud of you for sharing and I am proud of you for surviving. I will never forget the bravery of the women who shared their stories and the women who dared to show up.
 
I hear you.
 
I’ve listened to and read countless stories from survivors over the past few weeks. I don’t know your pain firsthand but your truth is now part of me.
 
I am on your side.
 
I don’t know your trauma but I am filled with tender compassion for you and seething rage for your abusers, whether you have shared your story or not.
 
I am forever changed.
 
I feel disconnected from your pain because I am not a survivor, but I feel more connected to women than ever before.
 
I believe you.
 
The pain of any woman is the pain of every woman.
 
I have a responsibility to you.
 
I have a responsibility to tell you, “I’m sorry he did this to you,” instead of, “I’m sorry this happened to you.”
 
I have a responsibility to use my voice for you, even if it shakes.
 
I have a responsibility to work to earn the right to hear your story.
 
I am not a survivor of sexual assault but I believe I have a responsibility to the women who are. I started Lady Bluebottle for women. I want this site, and our Twitter and Instagram pages, to be places women can come to find community and support. This is a space for you to share your story and to find resources to enrich your life.