Check out Beyond The Pale, my new message board for survivors and secondary survivors.

I have also put together a fundraiser for RAINN. See details below.

"To heal the wound, you have to go into the dark night of the soul." - Tori Amos

Welcome to Unlocking The Silence, a site designed for survivors of sexual violence.

My name is Lynn, and I am a survivor of rape and childhood sexual abuse. I have created this site in hopes of creating a safe haven, a place of peace, contentment and security, for other survivors, their loved ones, and those who help and support them. I tell my story here, other survivors have told their stories, and I hope that you will feel safe enough here to tell your story, as well.


No matter how long ago it was, I commend you for your courage in coming here. The fact that you are here, seeking help and support, shows that you are willing to begin to heal and that shows immeasurable courage and strength. Please know that what happened was not your fault. It doesn't matter what you wore, it doesn't matter if you were drunk, and it doesn't matter if you had a relationship with your attacker. It is not your fault, you aren't alone, and there are people who understand. You are strong, you have survived, and you can heal. Please don't ever lose hope. No matter how hard it is to believe, I've found that in my lowest moments, I often find my greatest strengths.

The links at left will take you through this site. However, please stay safe while viewing these pages, as some content may be triggering.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey towards healing, and inner peace. ~Lynn

Updated 9/06/04: Please check out Survivors United to learn how you can help stop the genocide in Darfur. This website and it's cause are very important; please take a look. It only takes a second.

I have created a RAINN fundraiser called After The RAINN. It is a collection of writings by over twenty survivors. Please have a look at it and help out this wonderful organization!

I have also recently started a message board, Beyond The Pale, for survivors and secondary survivors. If you want to stop by for a visit, you'll be welcomed with open arms.

*Disclaimer: These pages (except where noted) were written by me, a survivor just like you. I have some experience in rape counseling, but I am not a mental health professional, and this site is not intended to take the place of professional help.

*Please note: Throughout this site, I tend to use female pronoun she to refer to survivors. This is not because I believe only women are raped, nor is it because this site is intended for women only - it is simply because it comes naturally and is less cumbersome that she/he. I welcome all survivors, both male and female and in fact, have the story of a male survivor (a close friend) on my survivors' stories page.