Elevating Survivor Voices
We Believe You Survivor Stories recognizes the power of storytelling in healing and advocacy, providing survivors with a platform to reclaim their voices and share their experiences on their own terms.
Speaking out is a powerful step toward breaking the silence and stigma that often surround sexual violence. Research shows that narrating one’s trauma can be an essential tool for healing, helping survivors process their experiences, regain control over their narratives, and find strength in their resilience. By amplifying survivor voices, we foster empathy, educate the public, and inspire meaningful action. We believe your story, and we are here to help you tell it.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
Maya Angelou
What to Submit
We are looking for personal essay submissions about your experiences and life after abuse–whether it involves your healing journey, work life, relationships, or parenthood. While it’s important to highlight sexual violence and its details, we ask that you avoid focusing only on the abuse itself or timeline of events. Instead, share your meaningful life experiences and keep in mind that one submission doesn’t have to cover your whole life. With your permission, these stories will be posted on our website, social media channels, and in emails. If your story is selected, we will reach out with next steps.
We Believe You Submission Form
Submission Instructions and GuidelinesFill out the attached survey in the form below.
Please add your essay to the survey response field.
Please be sure to enter the title of your work.
Multiple submissions are allowed.
Each submission should be a maximum of 1,000 words.
We ask that your story is submitted in a literary format (poem, short story, personal essay) and that the work is personal and honest.
Please ensure that no author pseudonyms, composite characters, or invented situations are used. We want real, raw, truthful stories.
We are looking for unpublished work, meaning your submission shouldn’t be published anywhere else.
Submissions will be edited in collaboration with the authors. The author will be compensated for work that is selected and published.
“The first and most impactful thing you can do is create a safe space for survivors to disclose abuse. Your job isn’t to investigate their story or seek justice for them. Your role is to listen and say, ‘I hear you, and I support you.’ Your reaction in that moment will make a huge difference in the trajectory of their healing.”
—Elizabeth Smart, Founder
“The first and most impactful thing you can do is create a safe space for survivors to disclose abuse. Your job isn’t to investigate their story or seek justice for them. Your role is to listen and say, ‘I hear you, and I support you.’ Your reaction in that moment will make a huge difference in the trajectory of their healing.”
—Elizabeth Smart, Founder
FAQs
Why was WBY created?
We Believe You was created in response to the many survivors and victims who reach out to ESF and to Elizabeth herself. Many of these survivors disclose abuse for the first time and feel like they have nowhere else to go. WBY is designed to amplify survivor voices by giving them a safe space to share their stories.
How often does sexual abuse happen?
According to RAINN, a person is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the U.S. Every nine minutes, that victim is a child.
How common are false allegations of sexual abuse?
False allegations are rare, but they do happen. False allegations have serious consequences for everyone involved and should be handled through the proper authorities.
How do I respond when someone discloses sexual abuse?
Your role is to provide a safe space for them to disclose and share their experiences. Your job is never to investigate their story or “fix” the problem.
What language should I use to respond to a survivor?
The language we use has a real impact on a person’s healing. In your response, try to avoid language that might place blame on the victim. Examples: “What were you wearing?”, “Were you drinking?”
How can I support a survivor or victim of sexual violence?
Every person’s story is different, and they will have different needs. Listen closely to the survivor on how you can support their healing journey.
What resources are available for victims and survivors of sexual violence?
If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual violence, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, is available at 800-656-HOPE or via live chat at rainn.org.
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
Call 800-656-HOPE or visit rainn.org.