Content Note: This guide includes multiple storytelling examples. These sample stories contain non-graphic descriptions of sexual violence and its impact on survivors.
Your story has the power to radically reshape the world’s understanding of sexual violence—and what it means to be a survivor.
With Survivor Storytelling 101, you’ll learn to shape your lived experiences into intentional narratives that:
- Guide survivors toward hope, help, healing, and happiness
- Influence policies and laws that enforce accountability and justice
- Inspire others to show up, speak out, and step in to combat sexual violence
Storytelling for Change
No survivor is ever obligated to share their story. But when you feel ready, your story can help change hearts, minds, attitudes, and actions.
Explore how your story can make a difference, and read clips of real stories from anonymous survivors of sexual violence:
#1: Stories Shift Attitudes
When survivors speak out, they chip away at harmful myths—like the idea that sexual violence only happens in dark alleys or that certain behaviors “invite” assault.
Together, we can challenge victim-blaming narratives and foster a culture where survivors are believed and supported.
“A lot of people think men and boys don’t get sexually assaulted, but we do. In fact, 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 33 men experience sexual violence—and the lie that we aren’t impacted just makes it harder for us to get help. If you’re a guy who has been sexually abused or assaulted, I want you to know that you aren’t alone. You deserve to be heard, you deserve support, and you deserve justice for what was done to you. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You didn’t do anything wrong. The person who hurt you is the only person responsible.”
#2: Stories Help Keep Others Safer
Knowledge is protection. By sharing your hard-won wisdom—whether it’s about recognizing grooming tactics, understanding consent, or navigating the reporting process—you help educate individuals who may be at risk.
Your story can serve as a guardrail, a lifeline, and a beacon of hope.
“I’m the parent of a young teen who was sexually assaulted at summer camp. Before you send your own child to summer camp, I encourage you to ask these questions:
- “Does the camp require background checks for all staff members—including a check of the sex offender registry?
- “How does the camp handle accusations of sexual abuse or assault by staff or students?
- “Does the camp allow kids to directly contact their parents any time they ask?
“Never hesitate to ask questions when your child’s well-being is at stake. Any camp that won’t answer questions like these isn’t a safe place to send your precious babies!”
#3: Storytelling Promotes Healing
Speaking your truth—on your terms—can be an empowering part of your healing journey. When survivors break the silence, they reinforce the fact that people are so much more than their trauma.
Storytelling allows survivors to reclaim a sense of agency while validating others’ experiences.
“After I was sexually assaulted, I was deeply depressed and didn’t think I wanted to live anymore. That’s when I contacted RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline, and they helped me get the help I needed. Today, I have a career and hobbies I love, and I’m surrounded by people who know what I’ve been through and support me when I’m having a hard time. No matter what you’ve experienced, you are worthy of love and happiness. Don’t give up! There are better days ahead.”
#4: Stories Influence Policy & Legislation
Personal stories have even more impact on laws than statistics.
When survivors share their experiences and insights, they provide the human context policymakers need to create stronger, survivor-centered protections and shape systems of effective accountability and justice.
“I’m a parent, marathon runner, and music lover. I’m also a survivor of child sexual abuse. As a kid, I was too afraid to tell anyone what was happening to me; now, I feel ready to tell my story, but my state’s statute of limitations prevents me from pressing charges. I may never get justice myself, so I’m fighting for laws that will help other survivors of CSA get the justice they deserve. Tell your Congress members to vote YES on bills that give survivors more time to report. Together, we can hold perpetrators accountable!”
Where To Tell Your Story
Where you share your story determines who the story reaches and how it impacts the world. You can customize your messages of guidance, influence, and inspiration for any number of platforms, including:
- Public speaking
- In-person legislative advocacy
- Educational presentations
- Social media
- Charitable collaborations (like raising awareness with RAINN!)
- News and media interviews
- Poetry and music
- Writing your own memoirs
- Theater and performance
- …and any other form of expression you want to pursue
Get Started With a 30-Second Story
Think of your 30-second story as a movie trailer—a short, fast-impact “commercial” that communicates key points quickly.
Prepare and practice your 30-second story so you’re always ready to speak out if an opportunity arises.
Step #1: Identify Your Main Message
Decide what you want to accomplish with your 30-second story. Ask yourself:
- What’s ONE key takeaway I want people to remember?
- How can my story best illustrate that point?
“I’m a survivor of campus sexual assault, so I know firsthand how important Title IX protections are. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my education in a safe environment. We need stronger Title IX enforcement to ensure every student survivor can access support.”
Step #2: Keep It Concise
You don’t need to share every detail of your story. Focus on one or two of the most impactful points.
“I was assaulted by someone I trusted. When I reported, I wasn’t believed. That experience nearly broke me, but I found strength in speaking out. I now advocate for trauma-informed policies that ensure survivors are heard and supported.”
Step #3: Always Ask for Action
What do you want the listener to do? Support specific legislation? Donate to a nonprofit? Share a resource? Make it clear.
“Survivors need access to trauma-informed care. After I was assaulted, I got help from RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. Please help RAINN continue their work by becoming a monthly donor. Go to RAINN.org to make a tax-deductible donation.”
Dive Deeper with a Feature Story
If your 30-second story is the trailer, your feature story is the whole movie. Getting comfortable with sharing more of your survival story will help prepare you for:
- Public speaking opportunities
- Media interviews
- Giving testimony in legislative sessions
Craft your feature story with the six elements we’ve outlined below. You’ll also find storytelling examples from two different survivors’ storylines.
CONTENT NOTE: Below, Storyline A addresses grooming and child sexual abuse. Storyline B addresses alcohol use and campus sexual assault.
Element #1: Hook
Set the stage for your story with a compelling opening statement that captures your audience’s attention. A strong start will ensure your audience sticks around until the end.
- Storyline A: “Every year in the U.S., perpetrators of sexual abuse victimize nearly 60,000 children under 18. I was one of those kids.”
- Storyline B: “Three weeks after I started college, another student raped me at a party. I called the police immediately, but they told me I couldn’t press charges—because I’d been drinking.”
Element #2: Context
Invite your audience into your story by describing yourself and your world before the sexual violence. If you can’t remember “before,” say that. In storytelling, vulnerability is a strength.
Tip: It’s okay to withhold or change details (like your name or location) that could put your safety at risk.
- Storyline A: “I was pretty shy and insecure when I was young. I had a hard time making friends, and I was lonely a lot. So I felt really special when my soccer coach started giving me extra attention.”
- Storyline B: “I was raised in a small town by a loving family. I got good grades, had wonderful friends, and never got in trouble. I never imagined something like this could happen to me.”
Element #3: Issue
Many people know very little about what “counts” as sexual violence, how it’s perpetrated, or the challenges survivors face when seeking help. Your story can shine a light on the scope of the problem.
- Storyline A: “All the kids and parents loved this coach. He was so nice and fun. When he told my dad he’d start driving me home after practice, no one was worried. My parents even trusted him to take me out for ice cream or have special one-on-one practices on the weekends.”
- Storyline B: “I was so drunk, I couldn’t consent to sexual activity. But my state’s voluntary intoxication loophole said that an intoxicated person is not considered impaired and unable to consent unless they were intoxicated against their will. I felt like the police were saying, ‘You asked for it by getting drunk.’”
Tip: Stories about sexual violence can be deeply upsetting for many people—especially survivors. You aren’t responsible for how others react to your story, but you can exercise compassion by avoiding graphic descriptions of your experience.
- Consider working through the most difficult parts of your story with a mental health professional.
Element #4: Impact
People often underestimate the heavy toll sexual violence takes. You can expand the audience’s understanding by sharing how you were—or still are—affected.
- Storyline A: “I started acting out—getting into physical fights with my friends, breaking my toys on purpose… And I had terrible nightmares every night. No one ever guessed that I was being sexually abused.”
- Storyline B: “When I realized the police weren’t going to do anything, I wanted to give up. I started harming myself and didn’t want to live anymore. I felt like I didn’t matter to anyone. I became so depressed, I dropped out of college.”
Element #5: Journey
It’s not enough to reveal the realities of sexual violence. People need to know healing is possible—and how to get started. Your ongoing healing journey may be the most important element of your survival story.
- Storyline A: “After my first child was born, I swore to myself that I would do everything in my power to keep him safe. But to be a good parent, I realized I needed to process my trauma. I found a therapist who specialized in child sexual abuse, and in my first session, I started talking about the abuse for the very first time.”
- Storyline B: “My best friend could tell I wasn’t okay, and she helped me finally open up and talk about what had happened. She helped me find a therapist, took me to my first psychiatry appointment, and bought me a journal so I could start getting my trauma out of my body and onto paper.“
Step #6: Action
Give your audience a clear takeaway. Action steps help people feel empowered to create change—and that’s the point of survivor storytelling. Share warning signs to watch for, recommend support resources to share, or provide prevention strategies to practice. Because a future free from sexual violence is possible—but we have to build it together.
- Storyline A: “Talk openly with your child about good touch and bad touch—even when they’re very young. You can never guarantee your child’s safety, but you can empower them to say no with confidence and get help if someone hurts them.“
- Storyline B: “Fight antiquated laws like the voluntary intoxication loophole by getting involved with anti-sexual violence legislation at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. Laws change when compassionate people show up, speak out, and step in!”
Always Include RAINN’s Hotline
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
- Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
- Chat at hotline.RAINN.org
- Text HOPE to 64673
Your Story, Your Terms
Ownership. You own your story. When you share it, you’re offering a priceless gift—one you’re never obligated to give.
Readiness. You own your story. When you share it, you’re offering a priceless gift—one you’re never obligated to give.
Safety. Share only what you feel safe sharing, and protect your privacy by withholding personally identifying details.
Consent. RAINN will only share your story with your consent. You can withdraw consent at any time.
RAINN’s Story Consent Policy
If you ever change your mind about content you’ve shared with RAINN, you can revise or withdraw your consent for RAINN to use your story by following these steps:
- Email storyconsent@rainn.org
- Describe the content and, if possible, provide the link to its location
- Describe your concerns and/or make your request
- Assist RAINN in verifying your identity as the story owner
- RAINN will cease using your content to create new communications
- RAINN will collaborate with you to remove your identity and/or media from existing content wherever possible
Tell Your Story, Change the Narrative
Speaking out is a deeply personal decision. Whether you choose to speak publicly, advocate behind the scenes, or share your experiences with trusted loved ones, you are part of a movement that is rewriting the narrative around sexual violence.