Donate to Shelby and Kavya's Half Marathon for SA Survivors

Hi! We are Shelby and Kavya, and we are running Boston's Run to Remember Half Marathon this Memorial Day Weekend! We are raising money for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN works to support survivors, fight for justice, and create a world free from sexual violence. Please help us in supporting this incredible non-profit organization that has helped 4.5 million survivors and their families!

1 out of every 6 women in America has been sexually assaulted. Speaking up about being sexually assaulted is one of the hardest things a woman can do. Not because she isn't brave or doesn't want justice but because the world has made it so incredibly unsafe for her to tell the truth. She is worried that people won't believe her. That somehow, people will think she's lying, exaggerating, or trying to get attention. She is faced with questions like "Why were you there?", "What were you wearing?", "Did you lead him on?"

She is fearful of retaliation, losing friends, and being humiliated and judged. Society has a way of making survivors feel like they are the ones who did something wrong.

Girls are taught to be nice, polite, and to not make a scene. But speaking up is making a scene. It’s calling out injustice. It’s saying “No more,” even when you're holding back tears.

And still—some do speak up. Even knowing the risks. Even knowing the cost. And that is courage.

But it shouldn’t have to be this way. Girls shouldn’t have to be brave just to be heard. They should be supported, believed and protected.

So the next time a girl finds the strength to speak up, don’t question her—listen. Don’t blame her—stand with her. Because silence is what protects abusers.