I believe you.

The news is making me sick. Bill Cosby, UVA, Ann Coulter. I’m nauseous. It’s hard enough reading about the horrors that individuals endured. It’s even worse reading about the people who shame them, doubt them, blame them.

So I just needed to say:

I believe you.

To those of you who have bravely spoken up and weren’t believed, and those of you who haven’t spoken up for fear of blame and doubt: I believe you.

To those of you who don’t perfectly remember all of the details: I believe you.

To the ones who were drinking: I believe you.

To the ones who wore a dress or a skirt: I believe you.

To the ones who knew your attacker: I believe you.

To the ones who are men: I believe you.

I believe you that it was a man. And I believe you that it was a woman.

I believe those of you for whom it was a family member. And those of you for whom it was a doctor. Or a religious official. Or a famous figure.

I believe those of you who changed your mind partway through.

I believe those of you who were children.

I believe those of you who were adults.

I believe none of you were “asking for it.” and I don’t believe in that expression. I believe that saying someone was “asking for it” is as ridiculous as saying someone was “asking to be murdered”.

I believe that staying silent while it happened doesn’t equal consent.

I believe that every single person has someone who will believe them. And I believe in continuing to be brave and sharing until you find that person. And I believe that person might be a good friend or relative, but it might be a distant coworker or fellow blogger or somewhat of a stranger. But I believe that person is out there.

I believe that nothing you could say would make me believe you less.

I believe you’ve been doing the best you can do with what you have.

I believe it can get better.

I believe you.