From the Interns: It’s okay not to be okay 

Content Warning: This post discusses sexual assault, trauma, and healing. Some parts may be heavy or triggering, especially for survivors. Please take care of yourself while reading, and know that support resources are shared at the end if you need them.

Speak Up: Creating a Safe Space to Talk About Sexual Assault & Healing

Every day we hear messed-up things like, “If she didn’t dress like that…” or “Why was she even there?” But let’s be real — none of that causes assault. Clothes don’t cause it. Being friendly doesn’t cause it. Existing doesn’t cause it. Sexual assault happens because someone chooses to disrespect another person’s boundaries and power.

And it’s way more common than people want to admit. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women in the U.S. experience physical or sexual harassment. UNICEF reports that over 370 million girls and women worldwide were assaulted before they even turned 18. The World Health Organization estimates that 840 million women have experienced sexual or partner violence. Those numbers are huge, but behind every number is a real person with a real story.

Why does this matter?

A lot of us grow up not really knowing how to talk about consent, boundaries, or trauma. And when something bad happens, the silence can make it worse. Survivors might feel ashamed, confused, or like they did something wrong, even though they didn’t. Some people are scared no one will believe them. Others just don’t know how to put it into words.

Going through something like this can change how you see yourself and others. It can affect your mental health, your relationships, and how safe you feel in the world. That’s why talking about it matters. Not in a scary or awkward way;  but in an honest, supportive way. Speaking up doesn’t magically fix everything, but it’s one of the first steps toward healing.

You Deserve to Be Heard

After something traumatic, it’s normal to feel angry, numb, scared, or disconnected. You might want to keep it all inside because it feels easier than explaining it. But carrying that alone can get really heavy.

Talking to someone, a friend, a teacher, a counselor, or another adult you trust — can help you feel less alone. You don’t have to tell the whole story. You don’t need the perfect words. Even just saying, “Something happened and I need help,” is enough. That’s not weakness. That’s strength.

When you speak up, you’re not just helping yourself,  you’re helping make it clear that this behavior is not okay, and that everyone deserves to feel safe.

It’s okay not to be okay: You Are Not Alone

At Brooklyn Public Library, we want teens to know this: you matter. You don’t have to be okay all the time. You don’t have to explain yourself. You can just show up as you are.

We don’t have a specific program for sexual assault awareness yet, but we care about this deeply and we’re working toward creating more support. Whether it’s through books about healing, writing spaces where you can let things out, or just a quiet place to breathe, we want BPL to be a space where you feel seen and supported.

If you’re reading this and something painful has happened to you, please remember this: it was not your fault. You deserve respect, care, and healing. And you belong here.

These are some of the resources that can be used when in crisis:

National Sexual Assault Hotline - RAINN : 800-656-HOPE or 911

Works Cited:

Over 370 million girls and women globally subjected to rape or sexual assault as children – UNICEF

Lifetime toll: 840 million women faced partner or sexual violence

Sexual Abuse Statistics | Abusers & Rates (2026)