‘If someone cannot say yes, the answer is NO.’: Sexual assault survivor brings awareness to what isn’t considered consent

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’ Genesis 50:20.

This tattoo (messed up from almost fainting) has gotten me thorugh so much, and sexual assault awareness month is one of those things.

I’m personally not as religious as I used to be, and I still believe what I’ve been through can help raise awareness. I’ll continue to share my story no matter how hard it may be.

I guess my main point is if someone cannot say yes, or if someone is giving mixed signals, the answer is, and always will be, no.

If someone is wearing revealing clothing, but shows no interest in you, the answer is, and always will be, no.

If someone has hooked up with people before, but does not want to hook up with you, the answer is, and always will be, no.

If someone said yes, then changed their mind, the answer is, and always will be, no.

If someone is drunk or asleep, and cannot make their own decision, the answer is, and always will be, no.

If someone has had sex with you before, and they don’t want to the next day, the answer is, and always will be, no.

If you have to convince someone to have sex with you, the answer is, and always will be, no.

There’s two boys in this world I have to think about for the rest of my life who made a decision for me. The answer was, and always will be, no.

No matter how many doctors, cops, military, or others dismiss my story – I know what happened and I remind myself daily it was not my fault.

Please educate your friends and family on what consent is and isn’t. It could literally save a life.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Valerie Byrnes of Georgia. You can follow her journey on Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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