I don't like to use the word survivor. I admit that it fits. I survived abuse, but I was also a victim of it. I use the word victim because I see no more shame in being a victim of sexual assault than any other assault. As a society we view those crimes as incredibly different but I think society's views make it so.

I too agree that as a child I did what I had to do and it's difficult or impossible to see it as something to be proud off. The other choice, while not unthinkable (I certainly did think it,) was something I couldn't choose.