When Survivors’ Language Is Misappropriated
“Gaslighting” and “love bombing” are part of a language survivors use to describe weapons in the arsenal abuse. But these words are becoming part of our national idiom — and losing their meaning.
Sexual Abuse
What You Don’t Know About Michael Jackson’s Alleged Victims
A childhood sexual-abuse survivor explains the emotional minefield of defending their adult abusers, especially the most charismatic, powerful, and public among them.
Bryan Singer’s Accusers Remind Us #MeToo Also Includes Men
The movement isn’t about vilifying men. It’s about protecting all survivors of sexual harassment and abuse.
Did You Know a Sports Doctor Is On Trial for Molesting Olympic Gymnasts?
150 athletes have accused Larry Nassar of sexual assault and abuse—among them Aly Raisman and Simone Biles. So why is this not the biggest sports scandal of all time?
I Was the Wild Girl at the Bar
The writer used to drink and dance and flirt just a little too intensely. This wasn't partying—she was self-anesthetizing from an unspeakable violation she is now starting to reckon with.
How Did Fake Writer JT LeRoy Draw Real Devotees?
Author Laura Albert famously pulled off a decade-long literary hoax by inventing an endearing, abused Appalachian hustler ingénue—revealing the way we build brands on suffering.
I’m OK With ‘Game of Thrones’ Being the “Rapiest Show on TV”
For this feminist 'GoT' fan grappling with her past sexual assault, seeing these female characters violated has been cathartic. But that’s not the only reason the show should keep exploring rape.
Mom, Did You Ever Smoke Weed?
The day will come when our kids will ask questions about our sordid past. How much do we tell them?
I Didn’t Realize I Was Being Sex-Trafficked
As a teen, the writer fled her abusive family for life on the streets. It wasn't until later that she understood just how much she had been exploited.
The Unsung Badassery of Sansa Stark
The ‘Game of Thrones’ princess is just as tough as 'Mad Max’s’ Furiosa. So why don’t we see her prevail?