Dear Survivor

SJSU SAAM 2021

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
The Dear Survivor Project

The Dear Survivor Project is a platform in which San Jose State community can share letters of support to survivors of sexual violence. It is inspired by the Dear Survivor Project, to learn more you can visit: dearsurvivorproject.tumblr.com/

We want to create an opportunity to stand in solidarity for violence prevention and to create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding.

To submit a letter, please fill out our google form. All letters will be anonymous and some information may be redacted to protect the identities of individuals. 

Letters will be live for viewing on this page, starting Monday, April 5th.

Resources

If you or someone you know needs help or support, please visit CAPS - Counseling and Psychological Services located in the Student Wellness Center on the 3rd floor, Room 300B or call for an appointment at (408) 924-5910. For more information, please visit their website: https://www.sjsu.edu/counseling

For immediate in-person assistance and counseling services, contact the YWCA 24/7 Support Line at 1(800) 572-2782. The YWCA offers supports on sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. To be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area, you can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1(800) 656-HOPE (4673).

 

2021 Letters to Survivors

Dear Survivor,

I don't know you but I want you to know that I am with you. I am sorry that many may have let you down. Especially the justice system and those who should be making changes to improve this. It was not your fault, it's never been your fault. Please remember that.

May you find in time, your own amount of time, to heal, trust, speak, love, and gain your power again. May anyone who want to learn and understand have more patience, compassion, and the ability to just listen and not make comments that could hurt you. You are still here even if you have yet to speak about it, know that there are many of us that do believe you, and are here in solidarity.

Take care

Submitted March 23, 2021

 

Dear Survivor,

What happened was not your fault. There is nothing that you could have possibly done to make it your fault, justifiable, or okay. I’m sorry if you have experienced victim blaming. While this is part of your story, it is not all of your story. Know that you are worthy of support and healing. Know that you are cherished, valued, cared about, and loved.  <3

Submitted March 24, 2021

 

Dear Survivor,

I want to be sensible about what has happened to you, but something that I want you to always remember is that no part of what happened was ever your fault. I am not claiming in any way that I know what you went through but I want to try to be sympathetic with you. I want to extent my sincerest support and encouragement to say that you will get through this. You have a bright light within you that no one can dim, a strength and a self will that no one can take away from you ever. Each part of your personality, the things that make you well you are perfect and don't need changing, your perfect just the way you are. The road that you will embark in can/will have bumps and rough patches ahead but I believe you can and will get through each one. I suggest starting slowly, one day at a time, take all the time you need to process. Whenever you feel alone just remember that you aren't alone, there is infinite support from different individuals like me that want to support you. You are strong, resilient, and things will be better.

Submitted April 11, 2021

 

2020 Letters to Survivors 

Dear survivor,

First of all, I believe you. You are so strong, you are resilient, you are a survivor. I am thinking of you and sending you so much support and strength. Even when you feel weak and overwhelmed, you have a community of love and support that is rooting for you constantly. You are so valued and important. I support you always and forever.

Submitted April 3, 2020

 

Dear survivor,

I understand the pain and frustration you're going through, and I can't apologize enough for what happened to you. I know that it might be so difficult to find the strength and courage to keep going, but even though you don't know me, I'm here for you. I think the hardest part about going through all of this is the fact that the person(s) who did this to you will probably never face justice for what they did to you. We see people like Brett Kavanaugh and Donald Trump abuse womxn and get away with it easily. People even make jokes about it. It's okay, let them live in arrogance, because all you can really do is just hope it does not happen to someone that they love, because only then is when they will start to care. There is a strong, beautiful, unstoppable army of us out there that will never forget, and that welcome you and bring you strength. One day we will see justice.

Submitted April 5, 2020

 

Dear Survivor,

I will never know and never pretend to know what you went through or might still be going through, but I hope you know that there are people who care about you. If you are still in an unsafe environment, I hope you know that you are strong. And even though it might not be safe to go outside right now either, I know you will get through this! I'm sure you must still have a part in your that feels traumatized, helpless, and trapped, but know that your voice does matter and you matter and whatever happened in the past is not your fault. Do not blame yourself and don't give up now! I want to let you know that I'm one of the people who care even if I can't physically see you and even if I don't know you, I DO see your worth and I know what you want to say is valid. Don't give up and stay strong! There are people who will listen to you and your story.

Submitted April 6, 2020

 

Dear Survivor,

I am extremely grateful that you are alive and healthy today. I know it takes a huge amount of strength to continue your life. Thank you for sharing your story with me. And thank you for being you.

Love and In-Support,
Another Survivor

 

Submitted April 13, 2020

 

Dear Survivor,

Your story is so important, and so are you, however this story does not define you. I wish I could be there physically to support you and provide strength when it is needed, however I hope my virtual support and love will bring you comfort from time to time. I am your ally, listener, supporter, and friend. You are so meaningful and valued, I hope that you remember that every time it feels a little more difficult than usual. I am here for you.

Submitted April 17, 2020

 

Dear Survivor,

Hey you. How you doing? It's me, your friend. I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm thinking of you.

Are you taking care of yourself? I know it can be hard sometimes - it can be hard for me too. Maybe just start with some little things - drink a glass of water, look out the window, light a candle. Do something small that will make you feel good. If you don't feel like doing it for you, then do it for me. Because I love you and I care about you.

Anyway, I just want you to know that I see you.

I'm right here, and I'll be here. You don't have to talk if you don't want; just let me know what you need and I'll support you. And if you don't know right now, that's fine too. I'll still be here.

You amaze me, you beautiful human. Keep on keeping on.

<3

Submitted April 20, 2020