Sexual assault must never be tolerated. Period.

Any form of inappropriate touching without consent is not ok, even if it’s a person you know or consider a friend. Saying “no” doesn’t have to turn into a fight, it’s not a debate or up for discussion.

No means no.

Unfortunately, the word no is sometimes not taken seriously and because of this I (and millions of other men/women) have been grabbed, groped, pushed, forced, pressured, hurt.. the list goes on.

The way I dealt with sexual assault was I suppressed. If I didn’t talk about it, it never happened. But it did. It has happened to me and it wasn’t until my most recent encounter that I went over the edge. Enough is enough.

I came home from work, pressed record, and made the below video. Nervous to hit the publish button, I didn’t know how it would be received. Will I be judged? Not understood? Am I revealing too much information? Then I thought of the millions of men and women who are also victims of sexual assault and part of the #MeToo movement.

I posted the video and went to bed.

When I woke up in the morning, I saw a flood of messages from friends and followers who took the time to relate, support, and fill my heart with love.

Recovering from sexual assault is a process. There is no timeframe for healing.

Ask yourself: If this happens to you, what will you do? What will you say?

Write down a response. Read it out loud.

“This is not appropriate.”

“You are making me uncomfortable.”

“Leave me alone.”

“No.”

Even if you’re carrying your story silently, you are loved, cherished, and believed. You don’t owe your story to anyone. But for those who want to break their silence, speak up. Let the world hear you.

For more information visit RAINN, an anti-sexual violence organization. There are people who will listen and want to help. A better world is possible.