To UVA Victims, Each On Their Own Individual Paths Of Healing:

I found in Native American feminism/Medicine Women books, a secret to coping with sexual assaults. Within the memories of sexual assaults, there is a spiritual world. It's similar to the Aborigines of Australia, a "Dream World." There in that inner place, called spirit, true inner healing can begin.

Native American Medicine Women teach us that rape victims are gifted, special in a spiritual healing way, just like Brook Medicine Eagle. They can more easily access that strength, resolve, their inner spirit, or "the dreaming," and become closer to what is actually sacred within each individual. Truly, each rape victim is a Native American Medicine Woman, and a blessing to all of us.

They teach us about that spiritual strength, to continue on, no matter what, despite the outer world, with its patriarchal constructs. What is inside of your spirit is what matters. Everything that is done to you, or said about you can not truly define that compassionate spirit. What and who you are is a true gift, a healing blessing and a symbol of strength to the world.

The ability to heal your own spirit is already apparent. Your wisdom about what is true is already proven. You have a success record with the people who actually matter. Remember, as you listen to others, as many young females are taught to do at an early age, question yourself: Would Reverend Jesse Jackson act in that manner to me? Would he want them to behave that way towards himself?