The main question that many sexual abuse victims get asked is:
*Why did you not say something earlier?*
Let me try and answer that question with a picture that many may be familiar with.
Firstly, to make victims understand why they waited so long to speak about what happened to them.
Then, I would love for society to understand the concept of conditioning so that we can stop asking victims this infamous question that they can’t answer and indirectly reinforces the guilt and shame that they are already experiencing from the actual abuse.
This beautiful drawing was done by Maisy (12 years old)
This big, strong elephant is held with a simple rope at its back foot.
When a man passed by, he was wondering why that big, strong elephant was not even trying to escape, when it so easily could.
Let me tell you why:
When that elephant was young, it was held with that same exact rope at its back foot.
Growing up, the animal is conditioned to believe that it has no power to break free, despite it now being able to do so….
….with just one simple move….
….if only it tried.
You see, when you are being sexually abused from a young age…that shame and guilt is strongly anchored in you.
You truly believe that the abuser has the ultimate power over you.
Add excessive control, threats and violence to the mix and it may be understandable how I never said a word for SIXTEEN years in my case.
