Second Assault created the opportunity for individuals to share their experiences in a way that feels safe, intentional, and fully within their control. Survivor voices are a critical part of understanding trauma and improving how systems respond.
Second Assault offers an opportunity for individuals to share their experience in a way that feels safe, intentional, and fully within their control. We prioritized safety and autonomy in how stories are shared.
You decide what you share
You may remain anonymous
You choose whether your story is shared publicly
You are not expected to disclose anything that feels unsafe
Why This Platform was Created
For many survivors, healing is not only shaped by what happened, but by how others respond.
Research and lived experience consistently show that when individuals share their experiences of trauma, the responses they receive matter deeply. Being believed, acknowledged, and listened to can support healing. In contrast, disbelief, minimization, or silence can contribute to further harm.
Despite this, many survivors never have the opportunity to be heard in a way that feels safe or meaningful. For some, justice is not defined by legal outcomes, but by acknowledgment, the experience of having their story recognized and taken seriously.
This platform was created to provide space for that acknowledgment.
Through storytelling, Second Assault aims to expand understanding of trauma beyond statistics alone, while also recognizing that data and lived experience together offer a more complete picture. Survivor voices are not supplemental, they are essential to understanding the impact of child maltreatment and improving how systems respond.
Survivor voices are also frequently underrepresented in research, particularly those who are still actively navigating the impact of trauma. The individuals most affected are often the least able to have their experiences reflected or understood.
This platform was created with that reality in mind.
We recognize the importance of creating space for these voices, while also respecting that sharing is always a personal and individual choice.
We also recognize that sharing personal experiences can be difficult and, at times, overwhelming.
To support safety and autonomy, this platform offers multiple ways to engage. Individuals may choose to share their experiences directly, anonymously, or not at all. For those who may not feel comfortable sharing their story, weekly surveys provide an alternative way to contribute, offering insight into how survivors experience healing, without requiring personal disclosure. More about our survivor stories can be found here.
These options are intended to ensure that participation remains flexible, supported, and fully within each individual’s control.
What Does It Mean to Share Publicly?
If you choose to allow your story to be shared publicly, it may be displayed on the Second Assault website as part of ongoing efforts to improve understanding of trauma and survivor experiences.
Stories may be lightly edited to remove identifying details or to ensure clarity, while maintaining the integrity of your experience.
You may choose to share your story anonymously or with a name, and you can request that your story be updated or removed at any time.
Stories shared through this platform will not be used in trainings, speaking engagements, content creation, or for any financial purposes.
FAQs
-
Anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or been affected by abuse, systemic betrayal, or institutional harm is welcome to submit, survivors, advocates, family members, professionals, and allies.
-
Yes. You may choose to submit with your full name, a pseudonym, or anonymously. Your safety and comfort are our priority.
-
Personal narratives, poems, artwork, reflections, open letters, anything that expresses your experience. We especially welcome stories that explore impact of systematic betrayal and iatrogenic harm..
-
We recommend submissions be between 300 and 2,000 words. If your story is longer, we may work with you to publish it in parts.
-
Light editing may be done for clarity, grammar, or formatting. We will never change the heart of your story. If you include your email, we may contact you for approval before posting any edits.
-
Stories will appear in the Community Voices section of the Second Assault website. We may also feature selected submissions in our newsletter or social media, with your permission.
-
Yes, but please be mindful of graphic content. We may add content warnings to protect readers. We reserve the right to withhold content that glorifies harm, attacks others, or violates our community values.
-
Yes. You retain full ownership and copyright. By submitting, you grant us permission to publish it on the site and possibly in other community-facing materials, but the story is still yours.
-
That’s okay. You can still send us your story and indicate it’s for our team only, not for publication. We will honor that completely.
We are continually learning and trying to improve in order to best support survivors of child maltreatment. As such, we welcome and greatly appreciate any feedback, questions, and concerns. We want to hear from you in what ever capacity feels safe and manageable for you.
Do you have a story you want to share?
This is a space where truth is honored. Where complexity is welcomed. Where we believe you.
You don’t need to write a perfect narrative. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need the courage to speak, and we’ll hold your story with care.
Second Assault is about giving survivors the chance to speak up and out together. It’s a movement to expose the systems that fail survivors, and to build something better in their place.
By joining the movement, you're helping create a world where silence, stigma, and institutional harm no longer win. Learn more about how to support the movement below.