What have you always wanted to know about domestic violence and sexual assault?

When I started this website you people stepped up in a way that blew my mind, and you have continued to amaze me. You nurture a forum that supports our survivors, and if you ever wonder whether or not you are making a difference in the lives of these contributors believe me, you are. Just read the comments they leave in response to yours. Naimhe‘s response to the comments on her own post had me bawling like a baby, I’m not ashamed to say it — and it’s not the first time, either. We are doing something here, something good and important. Trust.

Today I’m reaching out to you once again. Because I know you’ll rise to the occasion, again.

I know you’ve got questions. I know this because you email me privately, or you gently ask them in the comments. Those of you who have reached out have gotten the same wistful response from me: I don’t know. I’m not an expert. I wish I was, but I’m not. I don’t know what to do. I’m so sorry.

So.

I have enlisted the help of a true expert, and she has agreed to host a weekly Q&A in this space. From here on out we will devote each Wednesday to answering your questions. You can ask as a survivor, or you can ask as a supporter. What counts as abuse? What do I do if I suspect abuse? You get the idea.

I am closing comments on this post because I’d like you to submit your questions via email. I think we’ll all be more honest this way, and we don’t risk making the survivors uncomfortable — which is always my first priority.

So, please. Email me at maggie [at] violenceunsilenced [dot] com with your questions, and we’ll see how it goes. From the very beginning we’ve been figuring this out as we go along and this new development is no exception, so I don’t know exactly how it will turn out; I just know and trust that you’ll continue to make this space yours. If I haven’t told you lately, I am so unbelievably grateful for what you have done here, for what you continue to do. Thank you, once again.

Ask away.

Thank you for visiting Violence UnSilenced, a speak-out platform for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. If you are a survivor and it is safe to do so, we encourage you to share your story here. If you are not a survivor but you want to support those who are, please click around this site and find out more about what you can do.

3 Comments | May 18, 2009 | Filed Under News and Housekeeping