Who are we, as humans, to question the ‘motive’ or why it ‘took so long’ for victims of sexual abuse to come forth with their stories? What if it was your sister, your brother, the kid you babysit, your parent, your mentor, your friend, or you yourself who was molested, raped, or targeted? Surely, you do not call them sluts and liars or question their authenticity. Have respect for those who muster up the courage to come forth and speak out about their abuse. And shame on us for failing to recognize the millions of others who have not or may never find their voice.

This is not about any individual instance. This is for everyone, this is for all of those who have yet to be heard. This is an issue of fundamental morality. This is not about debating the issues of victim blaming; this is about ensuring that victims of sexual abuse are not sent hate mail or called liars or sluts.

This is about supporting, encouraging, loving, and showing compassion to those directly, negatively affected by sexually abuse. These victims don’t need others’ ‘opinions’; they need to be heard. They need justice.

We cannot control what others think. I do not care what anyone else thinks, and they may not care what I or you or other thinks. But I can control what I think and what I say and how I feel, and I know that this is a situation that calls for wisdom and insight into the issue of victim-blaming that, quite possibly, will never otherwise be addressed. Until then, I find that supporting my family members, a good twenty or so friends of mine, and all the rest of the world is enough to know that I am speaking out against ignorance towards the issues of sexual abuse and victim-blaming.

I will speak up for them, however anonymous or famous their voices may be, even if no one else will.