April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
And while the month has passed, the stories don’t disappear with the calendar. The ache doesn’t vanish when the hashtags fade.
For many of us, these aren’t distant headlines. They are personal histories. They are names we know. They are parts of ourselves we’ve had to learn how to carry—with trembling hands, with whispered prayers, with quiet courage.
In this video, I speak from that place.
Not to retraumatize, not to relive.
But to reclaim.
To remind.
To reach out.
Because healing isn’t linear, and silence doesn’t always mean peace.
And yet—there is hope. There is God. There is the power of speaking.
To anyone who has ever felt invisible, unworthy, or broken because of what was done to you—I want you to know:
You are not what happened to you.
You are not too much.
You are not too late to begin again.
I hope this offering meets you gently.
Below is my SAAM reflection video:
With love and honor,
Cheyenne Ariel Paez
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you love is navigating the aftermath of sexual assault, please know that support is available. Here are some trusted, free resources:
📞 24/7 Hotlines
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN):
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at rainn.org.
Confidential, 24/7 support connecting you to local resources.
Tennessee Statewide Sexual Assault Hotline:
Call 1-866-811-RISE (7473).
Available 24/7 for support and information.
Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME to 741741.
Free, 24/7 crisis support via text.
🏥 Local Support in Middle Tennessee
Sexual Assault Center (Nashville):
Offers free counseling, advocacy services, and forensic exams at their SAFE Clinic for individuals aged 16 and over.
Visit sacenter.org or call 615-259-9055.
Project Safe Center (Vanderbilt University):
Provides individual advocacy to Vanderbilt community members affected by sexual misconduct.
24-Hour Crisis/Support Hotline: (615) 322-SAFE (7233).
🌐 National Resources
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC):
Find local support organizations and educational materials at nsvrc.org/find-help.
Take Back The Night Legal Assistance:
Free legal support for survivors of sexual violence.
Call 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837) or visit takebackthenight.org.
Gentle Reminder:
You are not alone. Support is available, and healing is possible. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to any of the resources above.
Share this post