Lavinia's Story: Why the SAFER Act is so Important | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

Lavinia's Story: Why the SAFER Act is so Important | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

Once a Victim....

This is a poem that I wrote when I felt that all hope was lost as a victim of sexual violence.  I share this because I want you to realize that there are many victims out there that feel this way and as they hurt they suffer in silence and rely on a cruel and selfish world to not care about their feelings and well being.  I personally no longer feel  this way because of one; my faith in God, two; my faith has been restored in the justice system as I fight to change and enforce laws for victims and three; being a victim is no longer an option.
Unfortunately many victims still live here and there is so much work for me to do but I feel that it is important that you get a better understanding of their pain and pray that you began to pray for victims everywhere that  began to "release" and refuse to continue to suffer in silence.

                                       Once A Victim  by Lavinia B. Masters

Being a victim has a price...

So before you tell it make sure you are ready for the sacrifice

You sacrifice your heart for it will never be the same

You sacrifice your peace for your emotions will always be in pain

You wrestle with finding restoration...You wrestle with finding the truth

Being a victim is like crying wolf because finding restoration can be harder than than getting a fairy to bring you money for your tooth

People don't understand you for  your actions are too far fetched

You are easily misunderstood and misjudged, yes being a victim does come with a catch

With secrecy you suppress your feelings for fear they will be revealed

Once you become a victim of a violent crime; for the rest of your life you want to be healed

The road to survival can be long and your search for love can bring much anguish

You travel alone in apprehension as you walk alone to only discover that true love can be relinquished

Because your heart was once weeping as you hurt and oh you travailed

You've caused others hearts to become callous and their passion for you to fail

Yes...once a victim... always a victim... is what some would boldly say

For being a victim of sexual violence can surely be HELL to pay!

"Getting Back to Basics"

I have been away for awhile.  I would normally say not by choice but when you think about it...I had a choice.  I have been battling health issues and I made the choice to allow them to hold me back...I    could have easily said that no matter what...I have a purpose and most of it depends on me giving back to others.

So much has gone through my mind and so many thoughts have been illuminated to my spirit.  Those things that I know were suppose to be for someone else.  Someones growth, peace and healing missed their watering because I failed to use the power in me to help you release the power in you!

Now don't get me wrong...I am not a failure but I am human so I am flawed...as a matter of fact we all are.  I recognize that life has been conceived in me and it is time to give birth to those things.  I also understand that during birth these are perilous times as one must travail and labor if they desire to bring and nurture the things that God has conceived in you.  However life must come forth and if we try to make things happen before time we can suffer from a premature birth and if we try to avoid going into labor when we know it is time then its possible we can suffer a retarded birth.

I am full term...I am in position...my water is broken...I am pushing...now here it comes....a new LIFE!

My new life still includes me fighting and advocating for victims of sexual abuse/assault but it also includes me mentoring and educating young women to become women of worth and wisdom.  I will always  take care of myself but I am also going to do what I am called to do until I can't do it anymore.  Yes I have been through a lot in my life but it was not for void...it was for someone else.  I must give all of me...I must remain transparent...I must raise and nurture this baby.

Here I am...not for fame or glory...but for me and you!

I'm getting back to basics and I am so looking forward to writing and talking more...join me as I raise my child!

The SAFER Act.....Finally