Brenda Tracy
@brendatracy24
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Rape Survivor, Speaker, Sexual Assault Prevention Educator Specializing in Sports & Working with Men. Founder of #SetTheExpectation & @stenonprofit
Joined March 2015
It’s been a 13 month long nightmare, but the MSU RVSM process is finally over. Tucker was found responsible for sexual harassment & exploitation and today his appeal was denied. Thank you to those who believed me and supported me through this. I appreciate you ❤️.
NEW: The long-running campus sexual harassment case against fired Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker is officially over. In a 24-page report, an outside attorney hired by the school denied Tucker’s appeal today on all fronts. Story ⬇️.
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In 1998, the college football machine protected the four men who gang raped me. Today, that same machine honored me. As I stood unashamed, in front of 110,000 fans, I could feel a piece of my soul healing. Thank you @UMichFootball & @CoachJim4UM .#SetTheExpectation.
Great having Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor and activist, and recently retired offensive tackle and now a student volunteer coach Grant Newsome join us today as honorary captains. #GoBlue
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People get uncomfortable talking about sex and have a hard time saying the words penis and vagina, but then expect rape victims to just walk into a police station and talk to a detective like it’s nothing. #ThursdayThoughts.
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I will not be silent. I will not stop my work. I will not cancel any of my bookings. I will not stop advocating for survivors. I’m not going anywhere. #SetTheExpectation.
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As a white person, here’s what I learned today. I’m safer carrying a Confederate and Nazi flag into our nations capital than a Black Lives Matter flag.
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This is BS. The victim reported right away, got a rape kit done, had horrendous injuries, reported to SDSU. Student-athletes turned in anonymous tips and the DA won’t even TRY!?! Even if you think you’ll lose - you take this case. THIS IS WHY SURVIVORS DONT REPORT.
DA announces no charges in SDSU football alleged rape case involving former punter Matt Araiza. From release: "Ultimately, prosecutors determined it is clear the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and there is no path to a potential criminal conviction.".
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Today my life was threatened. Someone sent a letter to my home that said “it’s time to die cunt. If this anthrax doesn’t kill you my AR will.” When I looked at my hands there was a white powdery substance on them. I called 911 immediately & they instructed my family and I to.
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A little insight to me. I spent 16 years after my gang-rape waking up every day wanting to die. I was suicidal for 16yrs. I’m obviously not one to give up. So if you think your name calling, trolling & bullying will cause me to give up or go away. All I can tell you is:. Nah.
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LESS THAN 1% of sexual assault cases end w/a conviction. Lack of an indictment doesn’t mean nothing happened or that 20+ women lied. False reports are uncommon & become even less likely when MULTIPLE victims are involved. Can’t believe I’m explaining this to you.
This is why Deshaun Watson, from the beginning, welcomed a police investigation: He felt he knew that the truth would come out. And today, a grand jury did not charge him on any of the criminal complaints.
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Not every coach is willing to take the time to really understand my campaign and my vision. It’s not every coach that’s willing to openly listen and learn, but when it does happen - it’s amazing. Thank you @CoachJim4UM #SetTheExpectation
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If I’m carjacked I’m considered a crime victim. If I’m robbed I’m considered a crime victim. If I’m kidnapped I’m considered a crime victim. But If I’m raped. I’m an accuser. #MondayThoughts.
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Coaches,. If your house is not in order then I recommend you fix it ASAP. The days of ignoring, hiding, pretending like it’ll be ok, making excuses, and sweeping it under the rug are over. It’s far better to be proactive than reactive - even if it seems too little too late.
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Big game days can cause a spike in sexual assault & domestic violence. If u or someone needs help pls call 911 in emergency or u can get help at: . Nat’l Sexual Assault Hotline:.800.656.HOPE (4673). Nat’l Domestic Violence Hotline:.800.799.7233. You are not alone.#SuperBowl2019.
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USA Men’s epee team wearing pink masks in support of sexual assault survivors & in protest of Alen Hadzic (black mask) who is under investigation for multiple assaults & on a “safety plan” at the Olympics to keep women safe. This is the energy men need to have with each other.
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I really appreciate this stance by Coach Harbaugh. This situation should not be weaponized for the rivalry.
Jim Harbaugh says he doesn’t want to speak on Mel Tucker’s suspension but notes Brenda Tracy has spoken to Michigan’s team in the past and he supports her work. Harbaugh: “I know Brenda Tracy, respect her a lot.”.
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My comment on Urban Meyers suspension:.1. WTH 🤬.2. Urban, the ONLY victim here is Courtney Smith & u owe her an apology. Your dismissal of her was cruel & harmful. 3. tOSU trustees care more about tattoos than violence against women.4. Seriously, WTH 😢. I’m so sorry, Courtney.
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Tomorrow I speak to my very first NFL team. Omg I’m so nervous. I’m not saying who it is bc I don’t want the extra pressure, but pls send me your love, light and well wishes 🙏🏼.#SetTheExpectation.
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Betsy Devos just did a "both sides" are at fault speech. THERE IS NO EQUIVELANCY!! 90-98% of reports are REAL. Period.
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THIS IS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR ATHLETICS. Under these rules Coaches & athletic staff won’t be held accountable or made responsible for reporting what they know, covered up or ignored. Under these rules Baylor wouldn’t have been a thing. Let that fucking sink in.
BREAKING: Betsy DeVos’ Department of Education just released a set of potentially devastating draft rules. If they go into effect, they would undermine many of Title IX’s essential protections. Access to education for millions—especially survivors—is on the line.
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Some coaches can brag about their W-L record, but how many can say they saved lives & helped pioneer a movement to shift a culture of violence? Thank you @Coach_Riley for being the example CFB desperately needed.
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One of the most amazing moments of my life! Survivors, this is dedicated to YOU!! Thank you @StanfordFball #SetTheExpectation
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I remember when tens of thousands of fans cheered for the men who raped me. Every Saturday they cheered. As Honorary Captain Sept 8, 2018 tens of thousands of fans cheered for me. I pray more survivors can experience that gift of love.Thank you @UMichFootball .#SetTheExpectation
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My response to Coach Tuckers statement: . “This is just more of the same DARVO, deflection, victim blaming and lies that I’ve been dealing with now for months. Coach Tucker has been delaying and trying to stop the investigative process since the beginning. He can’t afford to go.
NEW: Mel Tucker doubled down on his claim that he is innocent of any wrongdoing in a statement Monday. His statement, however, directly contradicts the statements he previously made to the Title IX investigator. w/ @MattMencarini .
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In regard to my name being leaked to the media without my consent and the timing of the USA Today column, I would like to offer some context and background…
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I just received a signed canvas of me & @CoachJim4UM in the mail. This was one of the most impactful moments of my life & one I will never forget. Thank you for making this happen Coach Harbaugh @UMichFootball @ahlannoelani79 & @dablauf!! .#GoBlue #SetTheExpectation
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Anybody can wear the ribbon, but when coaches receive a ribbon from me personally it means we’ve had some important & sometimes hard conversations. It means I trust them to lead & always do the right thing. Thank you @Coach_mtucker for your commitment to #SetTheExpectation
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I’ve dealt with angry fans before, but some of these Ohio State fans are the most vile and disgusting.
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White women who voted for Trump:. 2016: 52%.2020: 55% . Misogyny, patriarchy, and inequality should be deal breakers (and that’s just to start). From one white woman to the 55%, please get your shit together.
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Remember when @UMichFootball made a rape survivor an Honorary Captain? Cause I do 😍🙏🏼🥰 #ThrowbackThursday.
Great having Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault survivor and activist, and recently retired offensive tackle and now a student volunteer coach Grant Newsome join us today as honorary captains. #GoBlue
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There is now an open FBI and police investigation. I pray whoever did this gets caught. I’m a good person. I do good work. Important work. I don’t deserve this and neither does my family. I know this is an attempt to frighten, intimidate and silence me. But know this. .
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Can it get any better than this? 162 of the nations top high school football players just heard my story & signed the #SetTheExpectation pledge! Thank you @TheOpening & @Elite11 for allowing me to share my call to action with these future leaders.
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@CoachJim4UM is the first Coach in the country to make a commitment to bring me in every year to work w his incoming players & staff. Please say hello to the next class of @UMichFootball players & coaches to #SetTheExpectation
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"I just want to coach football. That's all I'm concerned with. ”. No remorse. No accountability. No mention of the Baylor victims. No mention of building young men of character. It’s just all about him coaching again.
Art Briles says 'I just want to coach football' and dismisses his critics
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If you’re on here talking about “there’s got to be more to the story” about @KinggChris7 . Stop it. Asking to be moved from the same room as a guy who is accused of sexually assaulting 2 girls - and having that request ignored by your coach is a VALID reason to transfer. Period.
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Calling me slut, whore, bitch, liar & cunt doesn’t bother me. I survived a gang rape & it’s aftermath. I’m stronger than you and your name calling tantrums.
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I’ve been a single mom w my boys since they were 2 & 3 yrs old. My own dad stepped in, but as a mother, Father’s Day was never what I had hoped & wanted for my sons. Today, I watch my son w his daughter & that which was broken is restored 🙏🏼. Happy Daddy Day @Killluaaa
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Stop calling it a “sex tape”. It’s rape. Stop calling it sex with minors. It’s rape. Stop calling him sexually deviant. He’s a rapist. #SurvivingRKellly.
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I’m feeling so f’d up today. I was triggered by an event involving one of my rapists. My PTSD is raging & I want to binge eat. I’m not telling u this for sympathy. I’m telling you bc in spite of my accomplishments & my healing. At the end of the day I’m human. We all are.
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THANK YOU @UMichFootball & @CoachJim4UM for choosing me to be an Honorary Captain this weekend. Can’t wait to see everyone! #GoBlue.#SetTheExpectation.
No more important game than the next. Saturday will be the seventh ever meeting between U-M and Western Michigan. MICHIGAN MONDAY » #GoBlue
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It’s crazy that for 16 yrs I lived in a prison of debilitating shame & silence bc 4 college football players gang raped me. Today, I share my story of survival & stand on football fields across the country UNASHAMED of who I am & what happened. #GodIsGood
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Dear trolls,.I survived a gang rape, the public backlash for reporting, and the 16 year aftermath that nearly caused me to commit suicide. Your name calling and shaming is nothing to me. God built me. You can’t break me.
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Reminder to the Art Briles supporters emailing and @‘ing me. I survived a gang-rape. Your name calling and bullying doesn’t affect me. I’m far stronger than you give me credit for, but carry on if you must. #SetTheExpectation.
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Wishing u all the best Coach! By meeting me, you did something no other coach has done - probably in the history of CFB. You helped begin a shift in culture that will save lives & while some ppl only care about winning, many of us don’t & we’re grateful for your courage. Thank u
Mike Riley fired at Nebraska after going 19-19 over three seasons.
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I worked w @NCAA for 2yrs to attach eligibility to violent behavior - such as rape. They refused to act so now I’m going school to school - one by one. There are 1200 NCAA schools. ONE has adopted the Tracy Rule. Only 1,199 to go. #SetTheExpectation .
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He said “Oklahoma sucks” .I believe in sportsmanship, but does anyone else get angry when conferences take a hard stance on something like this, but not rape & domestic violence?? Pls say it’s not just me. #SetTheExpectation
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I’ve been waiting for this moment to speak to the @NFL and not only did it happen today, but it was everything I hoped it would be. Thank you @Ravens for allowing me to share my story and my mission with you! #SetTheExpectation
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I just returned from a road trip this morning & I was feeling the strain of my work - mentally, emotionally & physically. But then I opened my mail. That’s 81 handwritten thank you notes from @GopherFootball ❤️I am without words. Thank you 🙏🏼 #SetTheExpectation #RTB
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I don’t know if you’re following the @CoachZachSmith Twitter tirade today, but he’s showing us exactly what kind of a disgusting, manipulative, unhinged, abuser he is.
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Last year an AD asked me to “speak to the girls about making better decisions & keeping themselves safe” I politely responded “I’m sorry sir, that’s not what I do, but I’ll talk to your men about making better decisions & how to become the solution” .#SetTheExpectation.
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Its my birthday & all I want is your RT . Dearest Survivor,.I believe you. It’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong. You are loveable. You are worthy. You are beautiful & strong. You matter. What happened to you matters. You belong here. Pls dont give up. Healing is possible.💖.
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After my gang rape I decided to kill myself. God used the nurse giving me my rape kit to intervene & save my life. If no one is intervening for you - I am. Take it as a sign. You are here for a reason. There are people who love you. Don’t give up. You matter. You belong here.
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I worked w Chris Steele at the Nike Opening last summer. He did exactly what I asked all the players to do - speak up & hold each other accountable. Coaches, I hope you’re paying attention bc this is what the future looks like when it’s run by players who #SetTheExpectation.
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I was 18 and in HS when I got pregnant. My teacher told me I was a disappointment & would end up a single mom on welfare. She was partly right, I did end up a single mom on welfare, but that’s not where I stayed in life. Don’t let others determine your destiny #MondayMotivation.
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Coaches,. Stop trying to teach your players how to “avoid” trouble & not get “caught up” w women, title IX, etc. All that does is teach them women are responsible for their bad choices & behavior. Teach them they’re responsible for their OWN behavior. Build their character.
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Women are not responsible for men’s behavior. Women are not responsible for men’s behavior. Women are not responsible for men’s behavior. Women are not responsible for men’s behavior. Women are not responsible for men’s behavior. Women are not responsible for men’s behavior.
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Men, you should be offended when another man blames a woman for getting raped bc she was drinking at a party bc what he’s really saying is all men are potential rapists and women shouldn’t drink around you and your bro’s.
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Ohio State fans should ask Baylor and Oregon State fans if bullying and name calling works on me. Hint: it doesn’t. I’m still here & I’m going to continue to voice my opinion & advocate for survivors, for change, for accountability & for men & coaches to #SetTheExpectation.
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These are the days that make it all worth it! The amount of love & respect I received from @UMichFootball players and staff today was unreal. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you. #SetTheExpectation #GoBlue
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First and foremost, his comment is accurate. Secondly, as a coach who works closely with me & my campaign, I appreciate the comment. It would be inappropriate to only point out his greatness on the field and not even mention his failures off the field #SetTheExpectation.
Jim Harbaugh’s swipe at Urban Meyer reminds us agin of what he’s done best during his tenure at Michigan. Will this finally be the year the results match the bluster?
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Don’t kid yourself, if you hide, ignore, dismiss, and cover up the actions of a rapist or an abuser then you are no better than them. You are a complicit enabler and you have directly contributed to the destruction of another persons life.
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Quick story about Kendal Briles: . He was at Baylor when I shared my story of gang rape with the Baylor football team. (Coach Grobe had brought me in) Tate Wallis, another coach under Art Briles, pulled me aside after sharing my story and confronted me about why I was there &.
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Friendly reminder: Sexual assault and domestic violence are not NCAA violations.
SOURCES: #OhioState star DL Chase Young borrowed money from a family friend to fly his girlfriend to California to attend the Rose Bowl. Young paid that money back in April> I'll have more on the situation on #BigNoonKickoff on FOX later this morning:
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One year ago today this happened AND it’s my understanding that I was the FIRST woman to be chosen by @UMichFootball to act as an Honorary Captain! Thank you for the honor #GoBlue #SetTheExpectation
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To my fellow survivors, no matter what Devos does today - pls know that you are loved - you matter. She cannot silence us. #INeedTitleIX.
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When @CalFootball called I had to decide if I was going to speak to the team one of my rapists played for. I went. I walked in the room w a broken heart filled w anger & pain, but I left w healing that could only come from this Coach & this team.#SetTheExpectation.#FullCircle
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Friendly reminder: your football game is not more important than my life or any other survivors life.
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We did this Razorback Nation!! Thank you to @coachchadmorris, the staff & every player @RazorbackFB! You guys are amazing and hopefully we inspired & changed some lives today 🙏🏼.#SetTheExpectation .
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“4. Deshaun Watson. Kinda gross but don’t kid ourselves, we’d get over it”. And that folks, is rape culture.
I’d rate my QB preferences for Saints this way .1. Russ .2. Run it back with Jameis.3. Aaron Rodgers*.*his age and trade cost are a concern.4. Deshaun Watson. Kinda gross but don’t kid ourselves, we’d get over it .5. Taysom & ALL THE BOOZE ON EARTH.
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Ohio State fans could be using this moment to support victims, but instead they’re choosing to make it clear no matter the situation, their Coach & their game matters more than another human beings life. My heart is heavy, but this is why we can’t give up #SetTheExpectation.
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@TAMU you committed to “Step In Stand Up” but when title ix finds an athlete responsible for rape you suspend him for ONE semester and let him back on the swim team? This is UNACCEPTABLE & does nothing to support a safe culture on your campus or in athletics. Shame on you.
Me: I’m unhappy the boy who r*ped me is back on the swim team .Texas A&M:
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I don’t care about your party affiliation. I don’t care if you claim red or blue. Sexual assault is a HUMAN issue that affects all of us. Maybe we could all start acting like human beings instead of Democrats and Republicans.
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I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. I survived a 6 hour gang rape by four men AND its aftermath. Your bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats, & name calling CAN’T and WON’T silence me. You can’t shame me. I wasn’t built to break.
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Just 1 of the messages I've received. No amount of name calling will silence me. I will continue to advocate for survivors. #survivorvoices
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the streets and my neighbors all stood around watching as I stood there wondering if I was contaminated or god forbid my family was. After a couple hours the hazmat team determined it wasn’t anthrax, but the FBI and police are taking this as a credible threat on my life and.
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Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone except Willie Taggart.
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Dear Survivor,. It’s not your fault. It’s NEVER your fault. The only thing that causes rape & abuse is a rapist & an abuser. Dear Society,. It’s not the survivors fault. It’s NEVER the survivors fault. The only thing that causes rape & abuse is a rapist & an abuser.
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@emrazz I get shamed about this constantly. As a full time activist & speaker I get trolled for charging to share my story on college campuses. Supposedly, I’m “profiting off my gang rape”. What? You don’t get paid to go to your job?? And who should profit off MY rape? My rapists???.
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Coaches,. When dealing w your players & issues of sexual assault & domestic violence, a one game suspension is never appropriate. I don’t care what else is going on. One game suspensions only send ONE message - the victim doesn’t matter & what your player did isn’t a big deal.
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For me. the day I realized I could never “go back” to who I was before my rape was the day I stopped torturing myself. You will NEVER be the same person again after that trauma, but the gift is you can choose who you want to be today & in your future. There is beauty in ashes.
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I rode with an @lyft driver the other day - turns out he’s a successful software engineer who drives 7 days a week after his day job & donates every dollar he makes to charity. Heroes are living among us everywhere and we don’t even know it 😊.
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“If I were raped I would. ”. 🙄🙄🙄. Please stop projecting your imagined heroism on survivors. If you haven’t been raped - you have no idea what you would do.
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It’s a beautiful thing to see a coach stand in front of his team and very clearly #SetTheExpectation with his players. Behavior matters & playing for @CanesFootball is a privilege, not a right. Thank you @Coach_MannyDiaz for your leadership.
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I wish just once I could go to a football program, work with the team, post it on social media, and NOT have rival fans argue over who has the worst sexual assault problem on their campus. All of it is bad. Including at the school you cheer for.
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Everyone supports me sharing my story until I call out their favorite coach or team, then all of sudden it’s “Brenda is trash. She’s about profiting off rape & using stories to push her agenda” . My agenda has ALWAYS stayed the same. It’s yours that changed.
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This is UNACCEPTABLE and needs to go viral. Tony Robbins deserves a strong reality check. This man is “coaching” thousands and thousands of people - including influential men who are part of the problem. #metoo #TimesUp . Bravo to the woman in the audience!!!
Life coach Tony Robbins says women are using #MeToo to make themselves 'significant' — but this brave sexual abuse survivor called him out
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If you ever defended Art Briles or his staff. If you participated in the "blackout" Now would be a great time to publicly apologize.
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I'm accepting apologies from the Art Briles supporters who bullied and threatened me over my comment that he shouldn't coach again.
As coach of the Baylor football team, Art Briles learned of alleged gang rapes and didn't tell the university
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go outside. So we went out in 30ish degree weather underdressed while police, fire, medical and hazmat responded to my home. I was literally standing in the middle of the street not allowed to touch anyone or anything in case I was contaminated. Yellow tape blocked.
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On Billups to the Blazers:. For those saying “it happened a long time ago” I was gang raped in 1998. I still suffer from PTSD, disordered eating, depression, & sometimes suicidal ideation. I work HARD to navigate that trauma & live life. It wasn’t a long time ago to me.
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Dear Coaches,. Don’t make RESPECTING WOMEN a core value if u don’t mean it. It’s not enough 2 just respect your wife, daughter, sister, if you care nothing about the next man’s wife, daughter, sister. Even a rapist can respect his mom. STOP making women’s lives your lip service.
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What an amazing group of men!! I set out to inspire you, but you inspired me 💕 Thank you @PennStateFball #SetTheExpectation
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When @Coach_mtucker comes through with a #GivingTuesday donation!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 . Thank you, Coach!.#SetTheExpectation #GoGreen
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I met @CoachApplewhite I shared my story with his team. I’m not only disappointed by this hire - I’m deeply saddened. I’m not sure how he came to this decision, but it goes against everything we discussed and agreed was important to shift football culture.
Column: UH sends wrong message in hiring Kendal Briles via @houstonchron.
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