Team White

A team of white Teddies toured to Sunshine Coast RDA today to help celebrate White Balloon Day. The Teddies were there to raise awareness and promote discussion, as well as speak up on behalf of the survivors who broke their silence by submitting a tag.

The Teddies were a great talking point and did their job brilliantly! They not only helped to raise awareness, they helped to raise funds too... $133.05 was raised today that will go to Bravehearts to help them continue educating, empowering and protecting our children.


Thank you Teddies, job well done!

Teddies Prepare for White Balloon Day

The Teddy Tour is supporting Bravehearts' White Balloon Day this year!
Hosted at Sunshine Coast RDA, a team of White Teddies are on tour to help raise awareness and spread the message of zero tolerance throughout the community.

Thanks Bravehearts, for the fantastic work you do keeping our kids safe from sexual assault, and thank you Teddies, for telling the world, "It's all white to say not to childhood sexual assault!"

Comedy

Teddy's name: Comedy

Age when sexually assaulted: 16

Who assaulted Teddy: Older Friend (male)

Town or State where the assault happened: State Park North/South Carolina

Teddy's message to the world:

I was whimpering, I didn't want to do it I didn't want this to happen.... but you twisted my mind, your breath scalded my flesh.... I remember it was cold and then you were so hot... burnt me to a crisp and threw me away like something dirty and spoiled.

Heather

Teddy's name: Heather

Age when sexually assaulted: approx 4 - 10 years old

Who assaulted Teddy: Grandpa

Town or State where the assault happened: Victoria

Teddy's message to the world:

I remembered what you did to me when I was 25 years old, I told my mum, I even forgave you 7 years ago and an enormous weight lifted from my shoulders, but I forgive you no more, I am now again going through this painful experience this time with all my memories and more, I have disclosed what you did to me to the whole family now, I have knocked you off your high and mighty pedastool, I have taken away all respect that people had for you. This is your punishment as unfortunely you were lucky that you were dead when my memories started to come. I always thought it was my childhood you just affected, but I now know it has affected so much of my adult life to, I am strong and I will become a better person because of this pain I have lived through.

Grace

Teddy's name: Grace

Age when sexually assaulted: 5-20

Who assaulted Teddy: Friend, Uncle, Brother's Friend

Town or State where the assault happened: NSW

Teddy's message to the world:

I've spent a lot of time in silence but now I'm starting to find my voice. Please join me, even whispers count!

Elpis

Teddy's name: Elpis

Age when sexually assaulted: 14

Who assaulted Teddy: A boy named David

Town or State where the assault happened: Kirkwood, Missouri

Teddy's message to the world:

A lad from my school tried to rape me when I was a girl. My life was completely and utterly destroyed. He took everything from me and I thought I would never get it back. I have been living the life of the dead. My nights are filled with terror, and my days with misery. But sometimes I catch a glimpse of the future. Sometimes I see what I can become and it is beautiful. I see myself rising so far above him, moving beyond my pain, moving through the sorrow. I am strong, I can do this. I will never forget what happened and I will never get over it, but I will get through it. I will move beyond. I am amazing. Elpis means hope, and some days hope is all I have but, hope will always win out. I am more than a survivor, I am the winner.

Bea

Teddy's name: Bea

Age when sexually assaulted: 15-18

Who assaulted Teddy: Bec (an adult who attended my high school)

Town or State where the assault happened: Melbourne

Teddy's message to the world:

I trusted you, Bec, and through your actions you taught me not to trust. You taught me shame and anger, just as I should have begun to learn how to be a strong, joyful woman. My molestation has profoundly hurt me, my parents, my sister, my friends, and my partner. Society facilitated your crime – as a young woman you did not fit the publicised stereotype of a child abuser. You have gotten away with it thus far, but I am building my strength, and one day I will be ready to denounce you to your face.

Mr. Sunshine

Teddy's name: Mr. Sunshine

Age when sexually assaulted: Under 5, 13-15

Who assaulted Teddy: Unknown, boyfriend, online acquaintance, several fellow patients at a mental hospital

Town or State where the assault happened: Colorado, Montana

Teddy's message to the world:

For years, the silence has lain thick upon me. Whenever I tried to speak, others have chosen not to hear. Blaming me for what happened and minimizing what happened not only helped the abusers continue, but has created wounds almost as bad as those caused by the abuse itself. Yet I've continued to speak out and to seek help. Now ears are finally beginning to open. At 23, I'm finally getting the help that I need to heal.

Titch

Teddy's name: Titch

Age when sexually assaulted: 9

Who assaulted Teddy: neighbour

Town or State where the assault happened: UK

Teddy's message to the world:

Do not hang your head in shame, it is NEVER your fault. If i had the courage to speak out i could have prevented the many more times he abused other children - he is now in prison. Time has healed and i am now strong, i am proud of who i have become, i now work with other survivors. My work is helping others heal too.

Phoenix

Teddy's name: Phoenix

Age when sexually assaulted: toddler,13,15,16

Who assaulted Teddy: father,uncle,friend

Town or State where the assault happened: tasmania, melbourne

Teddy's message to the world:

Teddy felt guilty for many years and felt worthless,because of a low self esteem Teddy fell into a very deep hole. Was not till Teddy married ,Teddy started to realy know what love meant. Love does not hurt or betray a trust. Teddy soon had children became over protective because of what had happened in past. Teddy had never let go of the past. today it still hurts .but that hurt has lead Teddy to now go into child protection. If Teddy can help even one child not suffer what she did then Teddy will be happy. NEVER BE SILENT TELL and keep telling only stop telling when the abuse stops. Some one will hear,always remember you are not at fault you did nothing wrong nothing to feel guilty about. Just tell,shout louder till you are heard and never be frighten. We survivers are special very special we can help others

HOPE

Teddy's name: HOPE

Age when sexually assaulted: 8-9 years old, 14, and 17

Who assaulted Teddy: Supposed to be a friend of the family!

Town or State where the assault happened: Tennessee

Teddy's message to the world:
I have struggled with demons my entire life because you made me believe I was a bad child and not worth anyone's love. I blamed myself and wondered what I did to make you punish me they way you did. Well I am here yo say NO MORE. Today I have decided to take back what you tried so hard to steal from me. I will not feel like a victim and suffer anymore due to your horrible decisions and actions. It was not my fault!! I am going to overcome this that you forced into my life. I will take my life back and become a survivor instead of the victim you so desperately wanted me to be!

Naphtali

Teddy's name: Naphtali

Age when sexually assaulted: 12, 14, 16, 17

Who assaulted Teddy: Family friend, cousin, boyfriend

Town or State where the assault happened: Honolulu

Teddy's message to the world:

Naphtali means "my wrestling," and every day I have to struggle with the bits of myself that are still broken from what happened. But while parts of me are weak, I am strong - stronger than those who had to hurt me in order to feel good about themselves. I'm not a scared little girl anymore, and with every day I find new strength in myself to continue the fight, it gets easier. There is life, and hope, and even love to be had after abuse. To all those reading this with a silent teddy still hidden in their hearts, don't give up. It doesn't always feel that way, but every day that you are still wrestling is a day where you win.

Behind on Tags

The Teddy Tour is about a month behind on Tags at the moment. Thanks to two big boxes full of Teddies that have just arrived, we should be able to catch up over the next few days. If you have submitted a tag in the last four weeks and have not seen it on the site yet - you have not been forgotten!

We're really sorry for such a big delay and are hoping to have everything running more smoothly in the future.

Shame

Teddy's name: Shame

Age when sexually assaulted: 6,13-15,16

Who assaulted Teddy: Many people, some family and some others

Town or State where the assault happened: Maryland

Teddy's message to the world:

I'm fighting to not feel so ashamed anymore. I have felt like I was to blame for so long.

Gypsy

Teddy's name: Gypsy

Age when sexually assaulted: ?-11, 12-14, 14-15

Who assaulted Teddy: Religious leaders, children's home staff, foster parents

Town or State where the assault happened: England

Teddy's message to the world:

No matter how many times it happens, no matter how many people hurt you, it will never be your fault.

Vezzy

Teddy's name: Vezzy

Age when sexually assaulted: 3 through 21.

Who assaulted Teddy: Father. Mother. Naughty Men.

Town or State where the assault happened: England.

Teddy's message to the world:

I was hurt very badly as a child and as an adult, I was abused physically, sexually and mentally, I was beaten up and torn down. But, I will survive, I have already survived the worst in Human Nature, I will survive Court, and especially the witness stand. I will prosecute these naughty people, so they can never hurt anyone again. This is a message of hope. God Bless You Vezzy. Sleep Tight.

Big Ears

Teddy's name: Big Ears

Age when sexually assaulted: Started at 5

Who assaulted Teddy: Dad and brother

Town or State where the assault happened: Australia

Teddy's message to the world:

You had no right to do the things you did to me. From the age of 5 I lost my confidence and all sense of self. Why did you have to be so mean, so cruel? I became someone else. Some of the abuse I could remember, some I could not. But I know the person I am now. Somewhat broken; trying to make sense of it all. Did you feel a sense of power? How pitiful you are. You took away my innocence and turned my world into a living nightmare. You took away the essence of me!!!!! I've been stumbling through life wondering about this and that, blaming myself; feeling shame for things I wasn't sure of; hating myself; hurting myself; wanting to kill myself so many times; I want to hate you with everything I am, but I can't afford to give any more of myself away now. I have sacrificed so much. I will conquer and heal. I know I will. And from this day forward, I break the chains that bind me to you - even on an invisible level. From now on, the y're gone and I will re-discover who I am. Because I damn well deserve it!

Susie

Teddy's name: Susie

Age when sexually assaulted: 14-16

Who assaulted Teddy: Boyfriend

Town or State where the assault happened: UK

Teddy's message to the world:

Love is acceptance of the word no. Or maybe not a word, but your body language, telling him no without words, because he has taken your voice. It was not love, though he convinced me it was. He loved what he could use me for, but he didn't love me.

Hope Shines

Teddy's name: Hope Shines

Age when sexually assaulted: 15, 15, 16, 18, 19,

Who assaulted Teddy: A boy at school, a boyfriend, a neighbour

Town or State where the assault happened: Ilkeston Derbyshire

Teddy's message to the world:

Although times may be dark right now, hold your head up high and know that you have nothing to be ashamed of, they did what they did so the shame is all theirs. Never let anyone make you believe otherwise, no matter what.

Hold me close when times are rough and feel my softness and the strength within yourself to keep fighting, you are an amazing, strong and courageous person.

Care Packages

The Teddy Tour received three boxes full of Teddies this week!

A huge thank you to Donna from Innate Personal Development and Counselling for donating these Teddies. Your support will help give survivors a voice and spread the message of zero tolerance of child sexual assault around he world.

If you can help the Teddy Tour with donations of Teddies, please send them to P.O Box 254, Buderim, QLD, 4556, or feel free to contact me for more information: ali@theteddytour.com

Josie

Teddy's name: Josie

Age when sexually assaulted: 4-9

Who assaulted Teddy: My dad

Town or State where the assault happened: Lancashire, UK

Teddy's message to the world:

I was hurt by my dad. He forced sexual acts onto me, and I think he raped me once, but by memories are blocked and scattered. I wish that my mum would have protected me, or at least believed me, but she didn't. I face rejection from my family if I speak out again. I hate what happened, because I am having to work through issues that exhaust me, and drain my energy. When I have the energy, I appreciate life so much. I wish that he hadn't hurt me. I wish that he hadn't given me this burden of guilt and shame. I wish this didn't happen to anybody. It's horrible. Sometimes I am scared, and sometimes I go blank. Sometimes I have flashbacks, and it isolates me from people I love. I want the abuse of girls and women to stop. I want to go to sleep, and not wake up even more tired than when I went to bed.

Justice Served

Teddy's name: Justice Served

Age when sexually assaulted: 9-15 years

Who assaulted Teddy: Father

Town or State where the assault happened: Bega, NSW, Australia

Teddy's message to the world:

For 10 years I told no one. It ate me up. I was ashamed, anxious, resentful and angry. At 19 I knew it was time to tell my friends and family that the man who was supposed to have protected me, hadn’t. He’d betrayed me, my friends and family in the worst possible way. He’d stolen my childhood and my trust. Talking about being molested was the hardest thing I ever did. People don’t like to think about it because it makes them feel uncomfortable. By keeping it taboo, society makes it difficult for survivors to speak up and easier for perpetrators to ‘get away with it.’ When I told my mum she didn’t want anyone to know but I told her that we needed to tell EVERYONE- it wasn’t her fault or mine. And we weren’t responsible for how it would make people feel. It was then that I also decided telling people wasn’t enough. My dad needed to know how much I had suffered and that I was suffering. He needed to know that what he’d done was not right. My dad was a criminal. It took 17 hours to complete a police statement. It was really hard. At times I just couldn’t talk. How do you put those memories into words when you’ve kept them silent for so long? I was brave enough to have a conversation with my dad that was recorded by the police. Over the phone he just repeated what he always had -that it was “my fault.” I was nine years old. He was a grown man. I didn’t even know what sex was. My dad was arrested and charged and I faced him in court. At one point, during a break in proceedings, the Department of Public Prosecutions worker heading my case came to me to say, “He’ll plead guilty if you remove the part of your statement that includes ‘penetration.’” (In NSW, Australia, penetration leads to an automatic jail sentence). I was flawed. I looked at the DPP man, “No way. It happened and I’m not going to pretend it didn’t. Tell them no!” I didn’t change my statement. My dad had the right to remain silent but expected ME to silence part of what had happened. Now that I had broken my silence there was no chance I’d be in that situation again. My father pleaded guilty and spent 3 years of a 5-year sentence in jail. I am 28 now. I have a beautiful son of my own. I have the most loving husband I could imagine. I am pregnant with our second child and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. But do you know what? I deserve it. Am I ever sad that I don’t see my father? Yes. But I have a choice now, which I didn’t always. I am sad because I’ve missed out on having a dad because he made a choice once too. He made a decision 19 years ago that meant today I don’t have a dad I can trust or want in my life or my children’s lives. At 19 I was brave. I know I was. Talking might be the hardest thing you ever do but however long it takes breaking the silence will tip the balance of power. The perpetrator will no longer hold the power. The perpetrator will no longer in control. YOU have the power. You have the right to be in control of your life. And you deserve it.

Tasha

Teddy's name: Tasha

Age when sexually assaulted: 10-15

Who assaulted Teddy: my mother's husband

Town or State where the assault happened: Indiana, USA

Teddy's message to the world:

This teddy, named Tasha, was groomed and abused by her stepfather. One day, Tasha had enough and went and told on him. She told her friends, her family, the police, lawyers, and a judge and a jury. In the end, the jury couldn't see the truth and they set her stepfather free. She's sure that those who read this now will know the truth though. That you'll know that this teddy didn't lie, that she isn't bad and didn't deserve what happened to her. Tasha knows that his being found not-guilty does not mean that SHE is guilty, though. She knows that she is safe now, and that anyone worth being in her life believes her truth and believes in her. Thank you for hearing and believing her.

Daisy

Teddy's name: Daisy

Age when sexually assaulted: 2 to 13

Who assaulted Teddy: grandfather, babysitter, stepfather, stepfather's best friend

Town or State where the assault happened: California

Teddy's message to the world:

To my abusers: I am No longer Your secret keeper. I am handing you back your shame, for squarely on Your shoulders it belongs. Don't call me victim, I am a survivor! To the world: When a child talks....listen! To the Mothers: Protect your children, Even if you weren't protected.

Alexis

Teddy's name: Alexis

Age when sexually assaulted: 16-18

Who assaulted Teddy: friend's dad

Town or State where the assault happened: MI - USA

Teddy's message to the world:

You are not alone. Do not give up on yourself because Healing is Possible.

Lil Cindy

Teddy's name: Lil Cindy

Age when sexually assaulted: somewhere between 6 to 9

Who assaulted Teddy: a male boarder

Town or State where the assault happened: Melbourne, Victoria

Teddy's message to the world: It hurts. It stinks.Its secrecy whispers down the decades, stories about self that I have believed to be true: it's my fault, I enjoyed it, I'm a wicked, wicked little girl.I will burn in the fires of hell. I'm dirty, shameful...who would want to love a rag doll? Not me-except that Lil Cindy loves me...very, very much. So maybe those secret whispers are what: voices embedded into my psyche- not from me , or Lil Cindy, but from him,,, a sick, sick man whose balls I'd love to feed to the dogs, but that's not socially acceptable, nor could I live with that brutality in my heart or mind. I don't want to perpertrate that abuse be it in any form as an expression. Even entertaining the anger, fury sickens me to the core and yet that weeping,ulcerous sore needs to be excised and healed. So what does Lil Cindy want to tell me. Don't give up on love. Lil Cindy is such a beautiful, shaggy teddy bear who smiles and smiles even when her heart is bursting with pain. Love is all and Lil Cindy has never given up on love...loving her beautiful shaggy fur, her tattered clothes- the marks of a life well lived. Her magic wand glistens, sparkles and shines-so no matter what or who has tattered her wings she sings her song of magic, waves her wand and viola- the magic whispers: Lil Cindy loves you so much , my precious , precious child,,,no matter what - Lil Cindy is always there for you. And sometimes to make me laugh she wears her funny sunflower hat, pulls out her sunflower cape, flaps her wings and off we fly above the clouds, the rains, the tornados that rock the self and we rest upon a fluffy pink cloud with Lil Cindy's friends and breathe the fun, the laughter, the joy and love that our imagination can create and paint and draw and sing. And when we're ready - we fly back down through the tornadoes, hurricanes and storms of life- refreshed renewed and filled with love. One day I may be able to don the cloak of sunflower happ iness and fly to Lil Cindy and my fluffy pink cloud of teddy bear love. Maybe with all my magic friends I'll be able to tell "him "how much he has hurt me. Maybe I'll be able to tell him how angry and full of rage that I have for him. Maybe on that day I will be able to look him in the eyes and say I no longer hate and despise you. No means No. Maybe I can say to him If eel very sad , very sad that the only joy you had in life was to sexualy abuse a very little, vulnerable girl- an innocent... a girl full of magic and wonder who loved life and who missed her nonna so much. She felt so alone in this new land without her nonna. You had no right to abuse her trust in you as an adult member of the household. Nor did you have the right to feed lies and sleeze into this innocent angel's little heart- so she just spent the rest of her life replicating this abuse in one form or another includinging abusing herself over and over agian to prove or even disprove that she was or wasn't that naughty, wicked little girl who the devil would burn in hell. No you were wrong, I am none of these and have never been any of these.My heart feels like it's breaking into a million shattered shards...the wasted pain of this my life, but with my special friends along life's journey and Lil Cindy...I forgive myself for believing your dirty, stinking lies. And I forgive you ... I cannot imagine how much you have suffered to behave in such a way...were you abused?? or were you born that way?? I don't know and I'll never know, but I hope that along your life's journey and if you are still alive I hope that you find your peace and the magic of Lil Cindy and all her friends. I wish you well on this life's journey. I forgive you and I forgive myself and my parents who refused to see and now can only be spoken to in spirit. But Lil Cindy will take my wishes to you all. And I know that Lil Cindy will always wrap me in her love, her magic sunflower cape and wings and whenever I feel too sad and despairing. I'm not alone and will never be alone while my Lil Cindy lives in my heart, mind and spirit. Her love can never be destroyed and will never be destroyed and with her laughter, fun and joy she inspires me to love myself and others no matter what... even when I feel I can't. She can and I'll let her. A beautiful sunflower to you all.

Grizzly Bear

Teddy's name: grizzly bear

Age when sexually assaulted: 8, 13 & 14

Who assaulted Teddy: a group of neighbours, a male acquaintance and his 2 other friends

Town or State where the assault happened: Canada

Teddy's message to the world:

You took away my innocence, you tricked me. You did everything you could to hurt me and try to ruin my life. I felt silenced and alone. I was scared. You changed my life forever. But now it’s my turn. My turn to live my life to the fullest potential. My turn to put all of my energy and love into myself and my healing. I finally accept what happened and know where the responsibility and blame belongs – on your shoulders, not mine.

Lily

Teddy's name: Lily

Age when sexually assaulted: 11-20

Who assaulted Teddy: Uncle and his friends

Town or State where the assault happened: Bucks

Teddy's message to the world:

The more people try and break you the stronger you will get. Hope remains where people fail. Never let anyone get you down and treat yourself with care. You did nothing wrong xxx

Minnie

Teddy's name: Minnie

Age when sexually assaulted: 6 - 16

Who assaulted Teddy: 2 uncles , a brother

Town or State where the assault happened: UK

Teddy's message to the world:

I somehow managed to survive 10 years of severe abuse and torture. I told myself i would survive. I got this far just to be alive so I am not just about to give it all up and come all this way for nothing. WE are better than all of THEM. and if we all stick together and fight, maybe someday we can make things change for the better.

Bug

Teddy's name: Bug

Age when sexually assaulted: 5 to 12

Who assaulted Teddy: By 2 of dad's friends

Town or State where the assault happened: Melbourne, Australia

Teddy's message to the world:

Please watch out for you children and never assume that just because you like someone that they are incapable of hurting your children. Trust without caution is the number one thing that allows abusers access to your children. I know the heartbreaking affect child sexual abuse has on every aspect of a person's life and how even long after the abuse is over you are still trying to piece together the remnants of a life you never thought you'd have to live. Please educate yourself on what warning signs to look out for in your children's behaviour because often they are too scared and confused to ask for help or tell someone. Make sure they understand that bad things can happen even by people they love and that they should always tell you no matter what someone may say to them. Always listen if a child tells you they've been hurt because they don't know how to lie about such abuse at that age and nothing can affect a child more than knowing that t he people closest to them don't even believe them.

Lost Bear

Teddy's name: Lost Bear

Age when sexually assaulted: 15

Who assaulted Teddy: Stranger

Town or State where the assault happened: Oakland, CA

Teddy's message to the world:

It's not fair that I have to think about you everyday and you most likely don't even remember who I am. You stole my innocence....I hate you. I hope that life has treated you badly.

BooBoo

Teddy's name: BooBoo

Age when sexually assaulted: 7 - 15

Who assaulted Teddy: Father

Town or State where the assault happened: Sydney

Teddy's message to the world:

How come I suffer with this anguish my whole life yet you get too live? I have had failed relationships, no confidence and dont like who I am. Yet you live. Im now 36 and have just told my Mum what you did. I have moved a lot, changed my name, phone numbers so you couldnt find me. Yet you get to live. Im trying to survive. Trying to work out who I am and be me and not be afraid. I want just 1 day where I dont feel scared and dont think about you. That day will come. I know it will.

Teddy Bear

Teddy's name: Teddy Bear

Age when sexually assaulted: baby

Who assaulted Teddy: Daddy

Town or State where the assault happened: South Australia

Teddy's message to the world:

I was assaulted when I was a baby. I don't remember it except I have had puberty start really early and I have had bad sexual experiences from an early age. Parents should be trusted and I should have been protected from my Dad's behaviour by my Mum. I am now an older woman and after a great deal of healing after my Dad died, I can hold my head up as I've come to realise you can overcome the hurt and pain. You can overcome and rise up and be stronger because this evil does not hold chains on you. By faith and belief you can move on.

Bruff

Teddy's name: Bruff

Age when sexually assaulted: about 9

Who assaulted Teddy: Neighbour (male)

Town or State where the assault happened: Victoria

Teddy's message to the world:

Although I've faced difficulties with trust, I ended up having a great daughter and have enjoyed my life in spite of your actions.

Sophie

Teddy's name: Sophie

Age when sexually assaulted: 10 to 15

Who assaulted Teddy: father

Town or State where the assault happened: Melbourne

Teddy's message to the world:

Be strong, go forward never look back, and never repeat.

Nettie

Teddy's name: Nettie

Age when sexually assaulted: 12

Who assaulted Teddy: big brother

Town or State where the assault happened: NSW

Teddy's message to the world:

My abuser's desire for control and power (in all areas of his life) has only brought him unhappiness...and though his abuse has affected me, and in ways I possibly am not even aware of, I have learned that love and care, not power and control, are what is important in life.

Angel

Teddy's name: Angel

Age when sexually assaulted: 21

Who assaulted Teddy: A work colleague

Town or State where the assault happened: Bedford

Teddy's message to the world:

I was drunk, asleep I couldn't do anything. You were the preditor, I was defenseless unconcious prey - you were always going to win that battle!! You probably weren't expecting me to react that way or report it to the police. I have unbelieveable strength, I reported you, I am fighting back. I will do everything I can to fight back because you never gave me the chance. You never even gave me the chance to say no. I have the control, I have the strength. You will not destroy me, I will not go back to those times!! I am a better person, I am strong, I can do this. I hope to hear those words guilty in court. Please give me hope!

Shadow

Teddy's name: Shadow

Age when sexually assaulted: 2, 14, and 18

Who assaulted Teddy: A babysitter's son, a stranger, and a friend

Town or State where the assault happened: Ohio

Teddy's message to the world:

She is human. Her pain is real. You cannot make her not not feel. To forget the past is to get hurt again. To live in the past, is to never live again. She will be free. Her story known. Today is the day that she chooses to survive. A victim no longer. She will survive.

Valiant Phoenix

Teddy's name: Valiant Phoenix

Age when sexually assaulted: 9 and for many years after

Who assaulted Teddy: brother

Town or State where the assault happened: California, USA

Teddy's message to the world:

You broke me and crushed me. You stole my life. You almost killed me. But I am alive and you are dead. I rise from your ashes. I lived to tell. I am precious. I am worthy. I am alive. Some days now, I can even forgive you.

Sunshine Bear

Teddy's name: Sunshine Bear

Age when sexually assaulted: 4-6 years old

Who assaulted Teddy: Dad

Town or State where the assault happened: United States

Teddy's message to the world:

When someone touches you in a way you don't like. Its not fair and it hurts both on the inside and on the outside. But the world inst totally dark. There are bright people in this world who will hold your hand hug you and tell you its OK. We all just have to find our sunshine.

Denial

Teddy's name: Denial

Age when sexually assaulted: 13-15

Who assaulted Teddy: Coworkers

Town or State where the assault happened: Caribbean

Teddy's message to the world:

I have been in Denial for far too long, and I'm done. What happened to me was wrong.

Sometimes it's so much easier to take the blame, because if it really was your fault, then that means justice is real, and everything is fair, but when you put the blame back where it belongs, that puts you in a really scary and vulnerable place. All of a sudden, we see the world for what it can be, a horrible place full of injustice, where bad things do happen to good people. Sometimes, it's easier to stay in denial, it can be easier to just believe that it was your fault than to accept the fact that it wasn't and you didn't have control in the situation for this very reason. Just like minimizing, denial is something our brain uses to protect itself. When really, its just flawed logic and I think every survivor needs to ask them self, is it worth it? Is it worth taking blame which is not yours to carry? Is it worth lying to yourself? Is it worth the guilt?

For me, I've decided it's no longer worth it.

Teddy

Teddy's name: Teddy

Age when sexually assaulted: 8 or 9 - 12 or 13

Who assaulted Teddy: My best friend's uncle and a few boys later in high school.

Town or State where the assault happened: Louisville, KY

Teddy's message to the world:

I am not done living. I am not done thriving. Your hands dont hurt me anymore. I will have the last laugh.

Advocate Bear

Teddy's name: Advocate Bear

Age when sexually assaulted: 14

Who assaulted Teddy: Friends Father

Town or State where the assault happened: Connecticut

Teddy's message to the world:

At 14 years old after abducting and assaulting me you at 30 something years old told me what you had done was just in fun,that it was all a game.....I believe that that both the sexual and psychological suffering you inflicted on me was a game to you but I've got news for you my life was not and is not a game and I never should have been your pawn! What you did while not forgivable has set me on my life's journey and career path of child advocacy and helping to prevent any more children from going through what you put me through! I have prevailed!

Super Sandy

Teddy's name: Super Sandy

Age when sexually assaulted: from 2-5

Who assaulted Teddy: an uncle and a grandfather

Town or State where the assault happened: Texas

Teddy's message to the world:

It took me a long time to learn just how Super I am, but now that I know, no one can take that from me, especially not my abusers. We are all Survivors, not because we are ok with what happened to us, but because we choose to live in spite of what happened to us. Once I found my voice, I used it, and this is what came of it: http://www.myspace.com/toldyouicouldsavetheworld and http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Survivors-Mark/120528099068. I'm trying to save the world, one perspective at a time...finding The Teddy Tour gives me hope that I'm not the only one fighting, and that our hard work is paying off.

Rain

Teddy's name: Rain

Age when sexually assaulted: 4-6, 13-16

Who assaulted Teddy: grandpa, boyfriend

Town or State where the assault happened: VT

Teddy's message to the world:

You are strong, and you will be okay. No matter how bad life seems to be right now, there is always a glimpse of hope. You must cherish that hope, hold on to it and let it grow into a new life full of love, hope, and laughter- free of pain. If you need a boost, listen to my favorite song "Stronger" by good ol' Kanye. That's right, I'm a hip-hop teddy :)

DaRkNeSs

Teddy's name: DaRkNeSs

Age when sexually assaulted: 0-23yo

Who assaulted Teddy: The Cult

Town or State where the assault happened: NSW and VIC Australia

Teddy's message to the world:

Tell, tell and keep telling until someone listens and someone cares. Do not listen to their lies, you are not bad or dirty or evil, it is NOT YOUR FAULT. Dont keep secrets that make you feel bad inside.

Shadowlight

Teddy's name: Shadowlight

Age when sexually assaulted: age 4 - 19

Who assaulted Teddy: several bad people

Town or State where the assault happened: England

Teddy's message to the world:

several bad people hurt us, it became all we knew until the body reached the age of 19 we thought that was how life was meant to be, that everyone else just lied about it and said it did not happen to them. We became dependent upon the abuse. 4 years later and we still struggle with this whole not being hurt thing, we do not know how to do the emotions thing being hurt seemed easier in many ways. But people hurting you is NOT right, it is wrong and bad. However, it does NOT make you bad, it makes those who do the hurting bad.

Aurora

Teddy's name: Aurora

Age when sexually assaulted: 8

Who assaulted Teddy: Another Child - a 'friend'

Town or State where the assault happened: UK

Teddy's message to the world:

You told me it was a secret, our secret, you told me you loved me, that this was what boys and girls did. I said "no" so many times but it didn't stop you forcing me, locking me in rooms until you got what you wanted. You got me so scared in the end I gave up and complied. Maybe you were hurt first but you were still responsible. No means No. Age isn't all about numbers, it's about knowledge. In that way you were older than me and you hurt me. Lets get rid of this taboo of child-on-child sexual abuse. It happens....