Survivor Love Letter

Survivor Love Letter, initiated by filmmaker, activist and survivor Tani Ikeda, is a movement where survivors and allies craft messages of support for individuals who have experienced sexual assault and abuse. It serves as a powerful way to express compassion, solidarity, and healing for survivors in our community.

KCSARC is proud to add its voice to the movement. On Valentine’s Day 2023, our community came together, sharing messages of support, healing, and empowerment through our Survivor Love Letter campaign.

Now, we invite you to scroll through and explore this virtual showcase of messages from our community. Each message is a beacon of hope, and a powerful reminder to survivors: you are not alone, you matter, and your community stands with you.

Dear survivor,

One day, you will rise in the morning without worry. You will stretch your arms and toes in quiet delight, without those memories flashing. You will sip your coffee and watch the birds, content knowing in your bones that you did nothing wrong. The plague of confusion, nausea, and fear no longer consumes you. All because you had the courage to tell others. You breathe easy, no longer carrying the heavy burden of those secrets. The truth has set you free. One day, you will rise and meet the morning with open arms.

– Haley

Dear younger self,

I just want to let you know that you are not alone and that there is love out there—people who care about you and want to help you. The pain will go away, and there will be hard times, but just know that you are strong enough to overcome this. If there is any advice I can give you right now, it would be to seek help. Receiving help will not only benefit you but your family as well. There are people out there who want to help you, will not judge you, and will support you.

– Kristy

Dear survivor,

I am sorry you are hurting. I am sorry for your pain. If I could hold you while you weep, I would. If you are feeling alone and unheard, I am here to listen to you, and show you that you are not alone. And I am not the only one who wants to support you. Reach out, and someone will take your hand. You may be afraid, and it may not be easy, yet you have suffered, and you survived. If you can do that then you can do anything. You are strong. Getting help from people who care and support you will lessen the pain, anger, and sorrow, and bring you the brighter future that you deserve. Speak up, even if it is to one person who wants to help, and there are many people who want to help and support you. You are important and you deserve to be heard, understood, and loved.

– Lorna

Dear Survivor,

I would like you to know you are not alone, you are strong and brave and can make it through these difficult times.

– Sara

Dear survivor,

Please remember that what happened to you is not your fault and does not define you. Your growth and strength have brought you to where you are today. Know that you are not alone, you are worthy and loved just the way you are.

Thank you for being here with us, on both the good and bad days. I want you to know that I see you, I believe you, and most importantly, I am here for you.

– Ashley

You are brave and you are strong. You are more, so much more, than any one event in your life. Because you are reading these words I know you are connected to those who can help you on your journey. They walk with you today, tomorrow and as long as you need. Please know that there are many of us who silently walk with you too.

– Anonymous

Your healing is worth it. <3

– McKenzie

I wear my scars proudly I am a transformer, I have turned my pain into strength I’ve taken my power back !!!

– Kimberly

Dear survivor,

I want you to know that it takes a tremendous amount of courage to continue your walk towards healing. I know that it is not easy, and each step that you take is a step that should be celebrated. I wish that your experience with sexual abuse/assault never happened. That is my wish for all survivors. As it has, I want you to know that you are a strong and resilient person and healing is possible. Please know that KCSARC is here to assist you in any way that we can.

– Nate

Dear survivor,

You are not alone. Some days you may feel like it, and that’s okay. You aren’t alone in that feeling either. There’s a thread that connects us, and I am with you. I’ve found stepping outside and taking a deep breath helps. You’ll discover what helps you too. You are not alone.

– Someone holding the other end of the thread

Dear Survivor,

Your courage amazes me. You have good days and bad days, but you are strong and I believe in you. I’m sending you big virtual hugs of congratulations for moving forward and claiming your life for your own. Thank you for being an inspiration.

– Angela

I am empowered because I survived ! 💜 I HAVE A VOICE !

– Kimberly

Survivor,

I love you!

We are both people!

– Andrew

Dear Survivor,

This does not define you. He does not define you. Your support system is ready for you. You are so very loved. You deserve to know and feel how valuable you are.

– Anonymous

Dear survivor,

Maybe today is a good day where you feel every ounce of the warrior that you are. Then again, maybe today is a rough day. One of those days where a tone of voice, a familiar smell, or an unexpected touch sends you back to where it all started. On those days, I hope that you continue to remember that each day you step into the world, owning your truth and pushing through feelings that no one should have to endure, you’re a bad ass. Healing isn’t linear – give yourself grace.

– Anonymous

To the little girl who became a protector when she needed one herself.
To the little girl who cried in the shower scrubbing the pain away for hours, for years.
To the little girl who grew up to be a people pleaser and afraid to be herself and put herself first.
It gets better. It’s going to be hard and it’s going to be an every day process but you have to do the work.
You are not your trauma, that is not how you identify yourself.
You are love, you are deserving of a pure love.
You are light.

– Lauren

Dear survivor,

You are worthy of peace, love and healing.

– Cindy

Dear survivor,

You are so strong and I am so proud of you. I promise it gets better. You took the first step.

I love you.

– A fellow survivor

Dear survivor,

You are so much more than what you went through. I love you and want you to know you are loved and deserve healing and all the great things coming your way,

– Nansare

You are valuable, loved and worth it!

– Andy

Dear Survivor,

You are never alone in the pain and ache that you feel. Justice in a sick society can feel hard to come by. Please be gentle and compassionate with yourself, you absolutely need and deserve that. There are people in this world that love you and would do anything to protect you. There is community here, ready and willing to support you in your journey to peace. There is abundant light and joy amidst the darkness that life may bring.

– Caitlin

The world is a better place because you exist ♡

– Anonymous

Dear friend,

We are so sorry for your pain and admire you for your strength. We believe you, will listen to you and will help other survivors on their journey. You are not alone!

– T

Dear survivor,

Good for you to seek help! We believe you and know you can survive this cruelty. You are not to blame. We can help you and guide you to a peaceful future. God bless you and keep you well.

Love,
A friend

Dear little Marie,

I’m so very sorry for what happened to you and that your mommy left you alone at the park. You had no way to know that the boy with the candy wasn’t nice. I wish it didn’t happen to you but it did and I’m just so sad that he scared you and hurt you so much. You were really brave to cry out and scare the boy when he let you go, I’m very proud of you for standing up for yourself! Good job! You got away all by yourself and then mommy found you not to far from home. Love!!

– Marie

Amigo/a,

Gracias por estar en pie. Eres de mucha motivacion. Sigue adelante, y no olvides que eres muy especial.

Con cariño,
Jacky

Friend,

We’ve never met, but please know you are not alone. I am rooting for you.

– Lindsey

You matter. You are worthy. You are important. You are loved.

We stand behind you.

From: someone who has also survived abuse. ♡

Your worth is not defined by what happened.

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

– Anonymous

Dear survivor,

You are beautiful and strong! You are hope, you are worthy. Keep going. Together we can. We are not alone.

– Sasha, a fellow survivor

Dear survivor,

Better and brighter days are ahead of you. Your strength and determination will carry you there. You are worth healing, justice and peace. You are in all of our thoughts.

– Anna

Thank you for showing the bravery, courage, and fortitude to stand up to what you experienced, to reclaim your body, mind and life. You are remarkable.

– Anonymous

You didn’t deserve what happened to you. You deserve every good thing that happens to you from here on. ♡

Love,
Mel

Dear survivor,

Love, love, love.

Thank you for coming forward. You are so strong and capable. You are powerful.

Warmly,
Sherry

Dear survivor,

I promise it gets better. And I know that because I’m here writing this to you BEING LOUD for us.

Have faith.

– A survivor ♡

Querido/a amigo/a,

A veces pasamos por noches obscuras y frias en la vida pero las mañanas son hermosas. Despierta esta mañana es hermosa!!

Se fuerte!

– Anonymous

It is not your fault.

– Anonymous

Dear 1986,

They didn’t have the strength to support you, nor the wisdom and courage to fully believe you. But they did love you.

You’re healing, but know that they have been as well.

You have always mattered.

Love,
2024

True bravery is not being fearless, but stepping up despite being afraid. ♡

– Anonymous

Hello,

You are a brave and beautiful person. You are loved more than you know! You have come very far. When things get hard, think about how much you have already done. And never forget you are LOVED!

– Anonymous

Dear survivor,

You are valuable, worth it, loved and believed.

– Anonymous

Dear survivor,

You are brave and I am proud of you. ♡

– Alexandra

If you can get through this, you can get through anything. You are stronger than you know.

– Anonymous

Wherever you may be, I see you. You – you are strong. You are loved. You are here. Thank you for being here. I hope you find your path on your wonderful journey.

– Katie

Dear survivor,

You are a beautiful, strong, loving, smart, caring individual. I give you a hug and prayers on your journey of healing.

– Anonymous

You are worthy of love. You deserve peace. You are meant to be here. ♡

– Anonymous

You are stronger than you know. You are loved and supported and never ever forget you are not defined by the horrible acts of others, rather you are defined by your heart and strength.

– Anonymous

One day you will see the strength and courage that we all see. Healing is not always linear, nor is it on any timeline other than one designed just by you. Hold your head high as you should always. Trust those that believe you and stand by and with you.

– Anonymous

These are my scars I wear them proudly I am strong I am beautiful

– Kimberly

Dear survivor,

You deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and care. You matter more than you may even realize. I’m so glad you are here.

– Anonymous

Dear survivor,

I believe you! Thank you for being so strong and sharing your story. You are so brave. Thank you for sharing your story with me. Better days are soon to come. But first, just breathe and know that everything will be ok. Little by little. Step by step. Sunny days are ahead! Stay positive. Know that your story matters to the next person and you have already made a difference in this world. Hang in there.

– Anonymous

Dear Survivor,

We may not know each other but I want you to know I am walking by your side in spirit as you navigate through your personal healing journey. Through this journey, just know that you have the power to direct your journey to where it feels right for you. Know, that I am with you without judgement only compassion. You are a unique special person, a survivor, deserving of so much love.

Warmly,
Karen

Dear Survivor,

I’m so sorry that things have been painful. You didn’t deserve what happened to you. Your pain matters. Your story matters. You matter. Please don’t give up on healing.

– A survivor

Dear Survivor,

You are strong and will get through this. The most important thing is to understand that what happened to you is not your fault and you will get through this hard time. Keep your friends close and cherish the love they give you. Things will get better. 🙂

-Anonymous

dear survivor,

if there was anything i could do right now, i would hug you. it hurts to see you having to turn to support because of something that wasn’t in your plan. i felt that frustration too, this was never MY plan. it’s okay to feel anger, and that anger is important to feel. whether or not you decide to come forward, i want to express my gratitude for you just BEING here!!! it’s incredible. you are incredible. stay true to yourself. i love you. ❤

-Anonymous

Dear survivor,

It’s not your fault. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and there are people out there that will try to hurt others no matter what. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.

Love,
A survivor

Dear survivor,

I promise it will not always feel this way. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong. You’re stronger than you think. I believe you. I believe IN you. Hang in there.

– Katy

Dear Survivor,

As a survivor of SA multiple times and in different times in my life, trust me, it will get better. It sucks now, it really sucks now.. Feeling alone, confused, rage, frustration, shame, guilt, and sad it happened.. Please know, in another chapter of your life, you will be so strong and you are going to use your hurt from this to make things right, and help empower others who went through this too. If it helps, use your anger to make a positive change, just focus on that.

– Dominique

Cher survivant,

Il m’est permis aujourd’hui de vous faire part de mon expression de soutien sur ce que vous vivez. Laissez-moi vous rassurer que, vous êtes si si important à nos yeux. Ce que nos physiques ne peuvent accomplir en vous, que ce petit texte soit votre source de motivation.

– Kenny

Dear survivor,

Today, I want to express my support for what you’re going through. Let me reassure you that you are very important to us. May this little message be a source of motivation for you.

– Kenny

Submit your Survivor Love Letter

Please provide at least a first name and email address in case we have a question about your submission. All submissions will be reviewed before being posted to the virtual showcase. Beyond your own first name, we cannot publish stories containing personally identifiable information.

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Survivor Love Letter

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