The Future For Survivor Haven
Survivor Haven is an ongoing endeavor. Each month we publish the poetry, articles, personal essays and book reviews of those who have survived the horrors of rape, child or domestic abuse. As such, Survivor Haven is always looking for future content.Some of our authors are well established with work published both online and in print while others are just now stretching their creative wings. Some of our contributors have no real desire to be authors; they simply feel compelled to tell their stories and try to make a difference in this all too often abusive world. To all of these, Survivor Haven would like to thank and applaud their courage. These authors receive no compensation but thanks for their submissions.
While Survivor Haven normally doesn’t have a “theme,” the July issue dealt with the personal independence days of survivors and the August issue focuses on the self-destructive behaviors many fall victims to. There are a couple of upcoming issues that will also focus on specific themes or “ideas.”
October is the time of fright. I already have two personal stories of what the survivors did to get even before they left their abusers. These stories would of course be frightening to those who abuse. Others along this line are welcome but they aren’t the only stories of fright I would like to showcase. The ongoing fear many survivors who are parents feel is of someone sexually abusing their children. The fears that come to us during our sleep in the form of nightmares with Jason like stalkers, vampires, demons and such are common to so many survivors. Then there is the fear of homelessness, starvation or even death threats for those who are in abusive relationships. These are just a few of the ideas/subjects I would like to cover in the October Issue.
November of course is Thanksgiving. Please let us know what you are thankful for. Is it to be alive and away from an abusive spouse or significant other? Is it that you have found forgiveness for those who abused you? On the other hand, perhaps you are thankful that the abusers are in the grave or locked up in jail where they can never touch you again. Instead of an abusive mate, are you thankful for one who has supported you and loved you throughout the terrifying ordeal of your recovery or perhaps your children for teaching you what a normal childhood is like. Who have restored your faith in innocence and the inborn goodness of others?
December for many of our readers means holidays and family get togethers. Is this a time of joyous reunion or a stressful time when you have little option but to face your abusers and “be polite?” Do you avoid your family completely or do they shun you for telling the family secrets or “Causing trouble” because you refused to stay quiet.
If you are here at Survivor Haven, it more than likely means you are a survivor yourself or know someone who is. As such, you have a story to tell. Our authors have ranged in age from an eleven-year-old girl who has had to deal with her mother’s emotional problems caused by abuse to a grandmother whose abuse happened some sixty odd years ago.
Rape and all forms of child or domestic abuse know no boundaries. These crimes affect members of all ethnic, socio-economic, religious and educational backgrounds. It is for this reason I do very little editing of work submitted. It is my belief that by doing so, I could alter the meaning or feel of the work. This has been something I have tried desperately not to do.
If you are a survivor or one has touched your life, and you would like to tell your story by whatever means possible, Survivor Haven would like to hear from you regardless of your writing experience. Please send your submission in the body of an email to Tenna Perry. We ask that you do not send attachments.
Thank you,
Tenna Perry
Founder of Survivor Haven
RETURN TO: