Silenced No More: Sexual Assault Awareness

"No! Get off of me! Stop! I don’t want to!"

How many times have these words been spoken, only to be ignored? How often has a cry for help gone unheard?

Sexual assault is a devastating reality affecting millions.

According to RAINN, every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, it’s a child. Yet, only 25 out of 1,000 perpetrators end up in prison. Even more heartbreaking, 93% of victims know their perpetrators.

For survivors, the impact is deep. It brings frustration, isolation, blame, and fear. Some withdraw, some act out, and many feel invisible. If you or someone you know has experienced this pain, know this: your voice matters. This devotional is an invitation to healing, hope, and restoration. You are not alone, and God is with you.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18

Child-on-Child Abuse – A Hidden Wound

Sexual abuse doesn’t always involve adults. Children, often victims themselves, may act out what they have been exposed to. I experienced this firsthand when, at age seven, older family members violated my boundaries. My attempt to speak up was met with fear and avoidance, making me feel even more alone.

Silence became my shield, but inside, I was hurting. I acted out, wet the bed, and withdrew from others. I didn’t want my family members to get in trouble, so I buried the pain deep within me.

Yet, God sees the wounds we hide. Even when we feel unseen, He knows our pain. He longs to restore what was broken.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." – Psalm 147:3

If you’ve been hurt, know that your story is valid. If you’ve witnessed harm, be the voice that listens. Healing begins when we bring darkness into the light.

The Workplace – Standing Against Harassment

Sexual harassment happens everywhere—including the workplace. Whether it’s an unwanted touch, an inappropriate comment, or coercion, harassment is never acceptable.

At one job, my concerns were dismissed. A coworker repeatedly touched me inappropriately, and my supervisor did nothing. My voice felt small, my confidence diminished. But in another situation, I was finally heard. I reported harassment and felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

To those facing harassment, you deserve respect. You do not have to accept mistreatment. Speak up, document incidents, and find an advocate.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." – 2 Timothy 1:7

God empowers us to walk in dignity. If you have been silent, let today be the day you reclaim your voice.

College – When Trust Is Betrayed

College should be a time of growth, but for me, it was a season of manipulation. My professor groomed me for over a year, using small gestures to blur boundaries. He paid too much attention, touched me under the guise of comfort, and made comments that made me uneasy.

One day, I found the courage to speak up. But when I reported him, the department head dismissed my concerns. The professor was "well-respected," and I had no proof.

That day, I learned a hard truth: some people will protect an image more than a person. But just because others refuse to act does not mean God is silent. God sees, God knows, and God is just.

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." – Psalm 9:9

If you’ve been dismissed, don’t let their inaction define you. Keep speaking. Keep fighting. Justice may not always come from people, but it will come from God.

Understanding Consent – Your ‘No’ Matters

Consent is clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing. It is not assumed. It is not negotiable.

At 17, I was raped—but I didn’t recognize it as rape at the time. I thought that changing my mind was wrong, that I had to go along with it to avoid making him upset.

But consent is not a one-time agreement. It can be revoked at any moment. If someone ignores that, it is assault.

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." – Isaiah 41:10

To those who struggle with shame or confusion, know this: it was not your fault. You are not responsible for another person’s wrong actions.

Regaining Your Voice – Steps to Healing

• Give yourself permission to feel. Healing begins when we acknowledge our pain.

• Seek support. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or therapist. You do not have to carry this alone.

• Turn to God. Jesus is our healer. His love restores what was stolen.

• Break the silence. Sharing your story when you are ready can set you and others free.

  
  

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28

Your pain is not the end of your story. God is still writing your healing.

Supporting Survivors – How to Be a Safe Space

If someone shares their story with you, remember:

• Listen without judgment.

• Validate their experience. “I believe you. You are not alone.”

• Offer support, not solutions. Ask how you can help.

• Respect their choices. Healing is a personal journey.

  
  

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2

Your compassion can be the key that unlocks someone’s healing. Be the light they need.

Moving Forward – Speaking Out, Standing Together

It’s time to break the cycle. It’s time to stop justifying harassment and abuse with excuses like “boys will be boys.” It’s time to educate ourselves and others about respect, consent, and boundaries. It’s time to create safe spaces where victims are believed, not silenced.

My silence once allowed abuse to continue—but not anymore. God has restored my voice, and I refuse to be silent.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." – Luke 4:18

To the survivors: You are heard. You are loved. You are not alone.

To the bystanders: Be an advocate. Speak truth. Create change.

As Madeleine Albright once said, “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

Let’s make noise by bringing the light into the darkness. Let’s break the silence—together.