Isabella Raine

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It’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month and you might be wondering how to participate. I made a post with ways to participate and support survivors this SAAM, but one thing you could do is put together a gift or gift package for a survivor. This is your guide to getting a gift for a survivor this SAAM.

When I was 16, I created a shirt design along with creating a campaign at my school to combat sexual violence and rape culture after having my own experiences with it.

This year, I decided to create a very colorful option that I’m honestly obsessed with. For me, wearing these shirts is empowering and I always get so many compliments on them.

The teal ribbon symbolizes several things, but it’s also for sexual assault and rape awareness. Wearing or buying something teal can be a symbolic, simple and nonchalant way of showing your support or expressing your identity as a survivor. I have a few teal gifts from family and friends. I’ve received teal crystals, teal ribbons, teal nail polish and a teal heart ornament. 

Something I’ve done before is given those I love crystals that symbolize protection. Whether or not you believe rocks or crystals hold any power, it’s a sweet sentiment to show you care about somebody and their safety. To give them something that shows you’re always with them and thinking about them. Crystals turned into a bracelet can be a wonderful way to keep them close.

I have a worry stone and I keep it on my bedside table. It helps soothe me during the day, as well as when I’m laying down at night trying to fall asleep. Feeling the smooth surface against your thumb can be satisfying and calming. The type of stone can always be a fun way of adding an extra sentiment, since different types have different meanings or significance.

Candles can be another great way to soothe your senses and bring joy. There are so many candles to choose from. You can go for beauty or looks, for scent, meaning, or a candle that’s called something silly for a good giggle. This year my sister received candles called, “The Opposite of Corgi Farts” and “The Opposite of Volleyball Knee Pads.” As a volleyball player and a corgi parent, these were perfect.

One thing I’ve done for myself since the beginning is to write. Writing down my experience, my thoughts, my anger and the rest of the feelings that come along with it. It can be helpful to look back and see how you felt and how you’ve grown, or to burn the paper afterward and watch as it turns to ash. I have many journals filled with my heart and soul and always love when I'm gifted them.

Nail polish is something I really delved into after my experiences with violence. As random as that may sound. It gave me a simple way to express myself and how I felt. Whether I painted them black, white or teal. This can be something new and fun, especially if you don’t already wear any.

It feels like almost everyone likes stickers these days. People put them on their water bottles, mirrors, cars, helmets and more. They can be a great way to express the topics you care about most in a cute and simple manner.

Like stickers, pins are pretty popular. Whether you’re pinning them on your favorite jacket or your backpack, they are a quick and to the point way of sharing important pieces of your identity and beliefs. 

Personally, art has been incredibly helpful when it comes to my healing journey. I love to make art, but I also like to support and indulge in others’ art. @oatmilklady is one of my favorites as they have many empowering feeling pieces for people who’ve experienced victimization.. 

Outside of these more specific gift picks, if you’re making a care package, including things like protein bars or snacks, water bottles, soap and bath bombs can be fun. I know that if and when I’ve received gifts like these that they’ve meant the world to me. 

And no better a time than Sexual Assault Awareness Month or a hard anniversary.