Girl Who Fought Back

Rape survivor. Fighting back. Hi! I'm Anna Nettie Hanson, author of For Now: Words of the Girl Who Fought Back. I'm a rape survivor and activist passionate about ending rape culture, victim blaming, and sexual violence. You are not alone. Join me in fighting back! Survivor Truth Project Anonymous truths from survivors of sexual assault, showing that we're not alone and creating a new medium for support. The truth brings awareness, and awareness brings change.

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Why the Oscars (and Everyone, Really) Should Ignore Casey Affleck

Hint: It's about so much more than Casey Affleck.

Ugh.

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DeVos: 'Yes,' Trump's leaked tape comments describe sexual assault

Donald Trump's pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, said at her confirmation hearing on Tuesday night that she would consider actions the President-elect described on a 2005 hot mic tape released during the 2016 campaign to be sexual assault.

1 in 5 (and in many areas, 1 in 4) women will be sexually assaulted while in college in the United States. Today, she stated that she can't commit to continuing the policy that schools that don't investigate campus #sexualassault would be violating Title IX and could lose funding.

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Survivors: You matter. We believe you. You will not be silenced.

#Election2016

"Tomorrow, every sexual predator in America will know that half the country has their back. And every survivor will know you don't."

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1. Be cautious of your words, because you never know when a survivor is listening.

2. If you say you don't believe someone's story, you may be silencing other survivors who may be struggling or afraid to come forward.

3. Raise your voices loud, but consider the impact of re-releasing poisonous words by speaking them yourself, even with wholeheartedly good intent.

4. Do something to actually help change political policy, laws, and increase services for survivors of rape/sexual assault. Share. Donate. Volunteer. Act. rainn.org #RAINN

I feel it is important to share that I have been triggered by #DonaldTrump's statements, but also by the accusations of #sexualassault and examples of #rapeculture on both sides of the political spectrum and across our nation. This topic being in the news and all over the internet is not easy for most survivors. I have neglected to comment until now, as I have been disappointed. I am disappointed that the conversation has not yet turned to how to help #rapesurvivors and punish those who offend, but instead it is stuck in this gendered, political loop. Let's change the conversation.

So, these are my statements, as an advocate for all survivors. Share this post if you agree.

Speak carefully, speak kindly, speak out.

[livefortmw]

[arrowsofbravery]

Got out of bed today? Awesome - great job!

Stayed under the covers & slept all day? That’s okay - try again tomorrow!

Smiled and in a good mood today? Good for you! Irritable and grumpy today? We can’t be happy everyday - tomorrow is a new day!

Just a daily reminder to be kind to yourself. 

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Yesss. Loving it. 

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A Letter to the Judge in the Austin Wilkerson Rape Case

Today I, like so many others, sat horrified as I read the details of the Austin Wilkerson rape case, and the even more shocking details of his subsequent...

Just when you think things have changed. So much more work to do. Share. Talk. Work.

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Love the blog so much! I am a survivor as well, I was assaulted at school when I was 12. I recently opened up about it to my counselor after years of keeping it a secret. I know how traumatizing that can be. You are amazing for all that you do!

Oh wow thank you so much! You’re so sweet :) I had to take a short break from Tumblr while I finished my graduate degree, so apologies for my delayed response!! 

I’m so sorry to hear what you have gone through, and thank you for sharing. You are so strong for talking about it - congratulations for that huge accomplishment. I wish you all the best in healing. Please be sure to reach out if you need anything. You are not alone. 

-Anna

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Lindsay Lohan Was Filmed Being Assaulted By Her Fiance, But Why Aren’t We Talking About It?

Over the last few days, images and video have emerged of Lindsay Lohan being assaulted by fiancé Egor Tarabasov on a beach trip in Mykonos, Greece. The footage shows Tarabasov chasing the actress and

Why aren’t we talking about this?

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5th anniversary.

I speak out so others know they're not alone. In the last 5 years, so many voices have joined mine, particularly on the national stage. Sexual assault is now in the spotlight, where 5 years ago so few were talking about it. And for me? Well, I am 23 and wonderfully happy. Also, I get my master's degree next week. Holy shit. :)

Healing happens. It takes time. There are things survivors don't talk about. I still have the broken veins from bruises, and my hip pops out of place once and a while as a pesky reminder of what I overcame. Survivors do not forget. But you know what? You can live a normal life - an amazing life, even. Remind the survivors you know of this. Remind them that they are stronger than they think. Remind them that it does not define who they are or who they will be. Remind them that they are not alone.

I'm celebrating. And if you wish me a happy 5 years, it is true. It has been a hard, happy, ridiculously crazy 5 years. Oh, and shoutout to my family for getting me through it all. Cheers. :)

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amazing.

you are not alone.

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Submit your own Survivor Truth: bitly.com/SurvivorTruth

See all of the Survivor Truth Project submissions at girlwhofoughtback.blogspot.com.

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Thanks for this blog <3 I don't feel so alone and isolated by what happened to me anymore and I think you're a really great person xxxxxxxxx

Wow you’re so sweet! That makes me incredibly happy. I am so sorry for what you have had to endure - you’re not alone. Please take care of your wonderful self. I wish you all the happiness in the world. 

All my love,

Anna

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Catcalls Women Would Rather Hear

LOVE THIS.

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Lady Gaga & Other Sexual Assault Survivors Got Matching Tattoos

Lady Gaga has lately become the face of the sexual assault awareness movement. She supported Kesha publicly in a variety of ways, and her performance at the Oscars was unforgettable in its power. Now, she and the survivors onstage with her have made it unforgettable in another way: By getting

So glad #LadyGaga is the newest voice for survivors.

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Honestly I am crying such tears of joy for you. I read everything you are doing and I am so proud. Honestly I was having such a hard week and you gave me much hope. Congratulations on everything you have and continued to accomplish. Keep going ❤️❤️

Wow! Thank you so much! I’m so sorry to hear you’re having a hard week - be sure to take time to care for yourself.

Thank you, anonymous, for the kind words! I am so honored! :)

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Hi all! ‪#‎AudrieandDaisy‬ premiered today at ‪#‎Sundance‬. This is a powerful new film bringing attention to sexual assault in high schools, as well as the major role that technology is beginning to play in such cases. I'm happy the filmmaker's reached out to let me know about this great new work, as the plot shares many similarities with my own experiences.

Share this to spread the word - more filmmakers should be so brave and bold to take on this important subject. Like the Facebook page at Audrie & Daisy and visit the film's website to learn more! audrieanddaisy.com