When I was 21, someone I trusted violated my trust and my body in a humiliating and damaging way. For years, I pushed it down because it was too hard to handle it. Last year, when I was 35, something happened in my life that dragged it all to the surface. I decided it was time to dig deep and harness every scrap of strength I've earned to finally process it through EMDR therapy.

This therapy has been extremely challenging but very healing as well. In the process of these sessions, I found myself reaching for some way to channel my anger and despair at what happened to me into something that looked more like hope. So, I decided to raise money for a charity that supports survivors/victims. I'll be raising ad hoc donations through this page, and putting forth what I am able to donate from yarn sales of the I'M A SURVIVOR yarn here as well. I'd love to raise £1,500 between the two. (See Instagram for more yarn details.)

Several people suggested this charity when I was looking for recommendations, and after a brief chat with their fundraising organizer I decided to support the Survivors Trust. The following is from their website:

Every five minutes in the UK someone experiences rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault by penetration.

15% of girls and 5% of boys have experienced sexual violence by the time they are sixteen.

The Survivors Trust is the only UK and Ireland-wide umbrella agency for specialist organisations supporting all survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Our core aim is to ensure that society supports all survivors effectively and takes responsibility for ending sexual violence. Help us to achieve this.

If you can't afford to donate, please share this page with your circles. If you're a fellow survivor, I see you. I believe you. You're loved. This world needs you.

All my love,

Ryann (GamerCrafting)