We Are the Evidence Quotes

“Healing will come with trying different things, and in order to find what works, you might have to try some things that ultimately don’t work. That’s okay. What’s important is that you’re taking steps, one day at a time.

Educating yourself, apologizing sincerely, and working to support them moving forward will go a long way.”
― Cheyenne Wilson, We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault

“No matter how your body and brain responded, what happened wasn’t your fault.

If you fought with everything you had but were still overpowered, that’s not your fault.

If you tried to run away but couldn’t, that’s not your fault.

If fighting or fleeing didn’t seem like safe options, that’s not your fault.

If your automatic survival response was to comply and attempt to please, that’s not your fault.”
― Cheyenne Wilson, We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault

“After I was assaulted, I felt lost and unsure of how to move forward. And I felt that way again after reporting the crime to law enforcement, and again after the trial for my case concluded. This book was born out of that feeling of being lost, and out of my deep desire to help other survivors find their way.”
― Cheyenne Wilson, We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault

“Over time and with a lot of healing work, the hard days will become fewer. But there will still be some, and sometimes they will sneak up on you. Bad days do not mean you have gone backward in your healing. Being able to recognize that you’re having a hard day, identifying the trigger, and knowing what tools might help you get through the hard day are all wins.

Give yourself permission to take a break, breathe, and make yourself your top priority.”
― Cheyenne Wilson, We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault

“We all like to think that we’ll handle difficult times with clarity and perfection, but we’re all human. If someone has already disclosed to you and you’re realizing that you didn’t respond the way you would now that you know more about sexual assault, it’s not too late to tell them that you’re ready to be a strong support for them.

Educating yourself, apologizing sincerely, and working to support them moving forward will go a long way.”
― Cheyenne Wilson, We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault