Sarah's Memorial for Rape Survivors

A few years ago, I started studying psychological trauma and trauma-sensitive yoga.  I learned that the brain of a woman who's been raped is shockingly similar to that of a man who has returned from war.

In February I was raped at knifepoint by my ex-boyfriend.  As I have come forward to tell my story, it's terrifying the amount of women who have written to me with gratitude for speaking up, for they too have survived sexual assault.  It seems many women fight a senseless war of violence in their own homes, and yet it goes so unspoken.  There is no memorial for these survivors.  

I'm hoping to be a voice for change by bringing attention to the mass amount of violence women experience, and the common fear all women share of violence.  I'm hoping to honor the horror too many women experience as well as create a space that is beautiful and healing, a space dedicated to the trials and fears of being a woman in a man's world.

This memorial could include a grove of trees, a flower garden, a sculpture, and/or a footpath engraved with the names of survivors from the Twin Cities...It's really up to what kind of support I get from all of you.  My City Councilperson and I are currently discussing the location of this garden memorial.