How One #MeToo Survivor Found Her Way
Let’s make this completely clear, “You are not alone.” Those four words call out from the front line of the MeToo movement web site — metoomvmt.org — to the streets of city’s everywhere from America to South Korea. This major movement helped to show people around the world that sexual harassment, assault and other misconduct are extensive. Research now confirms there was an increase in reporting of sexual crimes by 14% during the first three months of the movement.
However, reporting doesn’t necessarily mean that victims are taken seriously or that perpetrators face consequences, and we are all too familiar with real-life examples. Though challenging, we concentrate on doing what we can to help.
When twelve-year-old Ariel declared #MeToo, she was not believed, even by the adults closest to her. At one point, she was told that she just needed to “get over it.” Eventually, the PTSD she experienced over the assault landed her in treatment where, very fortunately, her therapist believed her. Thus, the healing began.
This insightful therapist referred Ariel to Great Life Mentoring where she received an empathetic listener and a stabilizing supporter in the form of a mentor. More than a year later, Ariel tells us she is glad she finally has someone in her life that she can “completely trust.”
Ariel and her mentor enjoy their time together each week and said they like to focus on doing activities that allow Ariel to “just be a kid.” These activities have had a tremendous healing affect on her. But knowing that she was not alone, that she was believed and now has a forever friend — those things have changed her life.
The two friends volunteer in the community together. They have “a ton of fun” and are currently exploring what Ariel might want to do with her great life. Whatever she chooses, she will know she is not alone.
The secret to a great life begins with you!
If you’d like to help a young person who needs you now, contact Great Life Mentoring and be part of the healing.