Whenever you hear the words "sexual assault," many people instinctively assume that the victim is female. But as you can see from this powerful photography series, it isn't always so black and white.
The pictures are part of 'Project Unbreakable,' a website set up in 2011 by Grace Brown, a New York photography student. The purpose of the site is to raise awareness about sexual assault by giving a voice to those who have been victims of it. The pictures feature survivors holding up posters with quotes from their attackers, and many of those who volunteered to be a part of the project were men who had been subjected to sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
The website was closed in 2015, but as Grace wrote recently, "In light of our current political climate - the fact that a man accused of multiple instances of sexual assault is about to be the president of the USA - I have decided to repost images from Unbreakable on its Instagram account. We won’t stay silent - not for the oppressed, not for the marginalized, not for anyone."
More info: Project Unbreakable | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
All such creeps should die alone, unforgiven and broken, "people" like the uncle are disgusting pieces of s*it and do not deserve anything better.
And awhile people speak their disgust about these type of people, the problem remains burried under big pile of s**t talk. "The problem" is asking why and finding a solution/therapy to this type of behavior and not put them on the pollory! It's sad for victims and waht happened to them, obviously they want some sort of compensation and help, understandible ofcourse, but why not aslo provide help for the offender?
Load More Replies...So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man.
goddamn it, no one ever deserves to touch men like that. What a ugly creepy perverted old man touching such a innocent hero like you, I hope he burns in hell.
That's the most difficult part about the act and its memory. The near unavoidable yet so betraying physical reaction of erection.
Somewhere along the line the people that abuse others r ones that in the beginning they were abused . Never did they seek any kind of help , but kept a vicious cycle going .
You're so right that it never needs to define "you" but it does define your abuser!!
what a sicko. I'm so sorry you had to meet a ugly weirdo like that.. I wish you best of luck sir, don't give up! You are a hero and no one can change that
You are a strong and beautiful person ever let anything define who you are sending my love and prayers
Should never happen to anyone...and it happened when you were only four....what a beast!
Will be praying for your heart and soul. Nobody has a right to abuse anyone!!
I know what you are saying friend, god bless you, it was not your fault..
I love you because you're brave enough to share your story and help thousands of others!
I hope you know this isn't true. It was a cruel and heartless thing said only to try and break you. ❤
You are a survivor, just like Me! We are Strong! We are Whole! And we are worthy of love!
I think he meant, that's the answer he got after talking about what happened.
Load More Replies...I am sorry that you weren't Believed! My mother suspected something, for years she suspected something, but she was afraid of being wrong. I told her things a couple of times, but then she was told that kids at school were putting things in my head. But I got up the courage, and told her Everything!
No-one ever wants to believe such things because it will upset their nice tidy notions of the world. Go on upsetting those nice tidy notions - that's called courage!
Gosh I'm so sorry for their ignorance. They should have known better than to say that.
Load More Replies...Same thing happened to me. It's hard to talk about it since a brother is different from an uncle or stranger. I'm "not allowed" to discuss it with folks according to my mother. Ya. It's not right.
As a woman who was sexually assaulted by my older sister, this breaks my heart all over again. To the person in this photograph, I wish you love, happiness and peace. You are a survivor...
Grace, I'm so sorry for your experiences. Are you ok now?
Load More Replies...No! it's not okay! That's why they prey upon others younger and more innocent than themselves.
So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. She is not worthy of the name "Mother"
This instantaneously made me cry. Thank you for your courage to post this and I hope that you have found love in your heart after having a psychopath as a mother
A mother, a mother, how can someone do this to someone they gave life to
You are loved no matter what you have been through. You are a strong survivor!
I’m a survivor too, but the guy was sick, so I got really sick too
I HATE THAT PHRASE.....who the hell is anyone to tell you how you should feel. Be strong <3
I really hope that your days of suffering is behind you and your love ones. You look so sad. I'm so so sorry.
What we went through will never ever leave our minds, it will always be there, every time you see something about it on the telly or in the news papers, it brings it all back, and you will never catch all the abusers .
Load More Replies...You are loved despite what has happened to you. You are a strong survivor!
Don't you ever think that's a proper way to "care". Stay strong
That is so hard to have gone through. You are a strong survivor who is loved!
I know what you mean and I am sorry for you, but did you report your abuser?, I dare not as he was my brother.
Don't you ever think that's a proper way to "care". Stay strong..
My mom's made babysitter basically said the same thing to her which is why she stayed quiet for many many years. Luckily he served time in jail for three years.
So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. I hope this "babysitter" is sitting in prison!
These sick a*s people know exactly what to say to you so their sick abuse can continue.
Wtf!? How does someone else think that they can just label you and think it's okay!?
OMW. This makes me so angry. You should not be victimized by the person that you trusted enough to share your deepest secret with. Be proud and never let anyone tell you, you are less than <3
So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. I hope "best friend" is paying for this.
No one should ever have to go through that no matter their preference. I'm so sorry your trust was betrayed in such a horrific way.
So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. I believe you.
Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Not for you though, this is total manipulation at the sickest level!!
Like Kyla, I believe you too. That's the catch cry of all abusers and rapists and we're smart enough now to know that there will be SOMEONE who WILL believe us. You're strong and good. Keep it going and you can help others just by believing them.
i believe you. anyone of any gender can experience this trauma and you are not alone.
How ignorant for the people who don't believe that men get raped too smh
Be strong and thank you for showing this. We, as humans, need to know about the fact mens can be raped too
Devils aren't only in hell, sometimes they walk among us. So very sorry...
...girl...? Either way, I think staying silent is what hurts throughout the years.
You are a man. Know this never doubt this...he/she was the sick one not you. We are survivors and no one can take that away from you. You are worth loving <3
My heart is crying. That cruelty... And they free and walking among us. I'm sorry sweetie.
This is heartbreaking... I hope you are ok... or at least better. Stay strong.
So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. NOT a game!
I was told the same thing, also by my cousin… and I did think it was just a game…
"OWE"? That's the worst dodging of responsibility for ugly behavior yet. Good luck, mate. Thinking of you.
A teacher and family friend FFS. How many others did he do this to over the years.
It isn't easy to say that... everybody has the right to live without being hurt like them
Load More Replies...So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. I'd like to kill it!
You are the victim! No blame for yourself! A cowardly monster did this to you.
You are a survivor. Don't beat yourself up. You need to love you...I know it's hard take it from a fellow survivor. But know you are not alone <3
Just more proof of the abusers manipulation! They know what to say to scare you into their deviant actions!!
You were a child and you respected him. Do not blame the victim. If you heard a child say these things you would say no it was not your fault. So why is it your fault. Stay strong.
You should not blame yourself or feel ashamed... you are the innocent one. Plus your VERY brave 🙂
I hope and pray that by you courageous men willing to share your stories with others helps put a spotlight on these sick pathetic abusers!
So very sorry this happened to you. 💔 You can survive this and be a great man. Hope he is in prison and you have supportive people.
Your parents couldn't deal with it. It comes from weakness, you come from strength.
Something happened to me when I was small, and no one believed me either. It took a lot of time for me to understand, and one loving life-mate to make me feel sane.
My son told me the same sort of thing when he was 6. There was never any tangible proof, but I believed him. I'm sorry this happened to both of you. It shouldn't happen to any living being, but you will be a survivor. That makes you a hero.😎
Also, I'm sure your parents are just unable to comprehend what you're feelings past their own guilt. They aren't as brave as you are in verbally expressing their feelings. It's very selfish of them, but everyone is subject to being human.
Load More Replies...You don't need to forgive yourself, you did nothing wrong. Your parents will feel the guilt, and don't know how to cope with this as much as you don't. Get help, I'm so sorry.
my parents said the same thing, they still dont believe me because i took so long to tell someone.
This is me right now. My mom said the exact same thing to me. I don't know what to do about it, don't know where to go.
OMG. My mother said the same thing to me. But I was out of her sight.
Whether or not you forgive your parents is entirely up to you. I hope you find the sort of peace and intimacy that everyone wants.
Friends? What kind of friend would watch someone be assaulted, not only watch, but video tape it?
What the actual f**k?!?! All those posts are making me so angry! I'm so sorry for all of you! :( <3
None of that would ever change the fact that it was rape/assault.
They "thought" you wouldn't remember one of the most devastating things to have happened in your whole life? Really? Wtf!?
Gets assumed a LOT. Parents hope it will go away if they don't talk about it with the victim. ;_;
Load More Replies...These sick individuals know how to manipulate anyone. I'll pray for your serenity.
Though rare women can be rapists. I have heard that men can't be raped by women because they need to be hard. It would be like saying a woman isn't raped if she is wet. Both are a physiological response. Everyone has the right to say "NO" no matter what their physiological response.
Correct. Erections are primarily involuntary. Yes, you can trigger them manually, but they often pop up on their own for a myriad of reasons.
Load More Replies...okay so this will come off as a little crude. I'm a girl (biologically at least) and I know I have sexually abusive tendencies. And I know that if I drink too much I go and harass men. But instead of saying "it's not my fault, I'm drunk" I JUST DON'T F*****G DRINK ENOUGH TO GET TO THAT POINT. We are all responsible for our behaviours, and regardless of gender, we all must give the best of ourselves to society.
It's great that you're aware of what you are capable of while drinking. It means you're not gonna hurt anyone physicaly, and you're NOT like others psychopath.
Load More Replies...I am so grateful you are speaking up. People think women can't be rapists of men, and that's so untrue. I'm so sorry for what you went through, but have so much respect for your willingness to share your story.
No means no! Your body is not hers it’s your own! She’s just as much a rapist as a male rapist.
Jesus. What a monster she is. How can anyone do anything like this to anyone? Not to mention she was historia mother :(
I have tears in my eyes. I hope you are still the wonderful person you were made to be. I would like to tell you I love you and that you are a handsome man and any woman would be lucky to have you. Don't let her sickness darken your heart. You deserve love and the fact that the person who should love you unconditionally let you down is not your fault. <3
This is so terribly sad. This "thing" was no mother. I hope "its" rotting somewhere. I am deeply sorry for what you went through. You are not any of the labels she put on you. You are a strong human being and you deserve happiness.
I'm interested are you speak or even seeing that poor excuse for "mother"? I'm very sorry for what happened :(
I don't think I can read many more of these, I want to cry for all these poor people who were abused like this. Next chance I get I am raising awareness for this cause. I feel like people should know that they can go to a lot of people for this and they will be protected. This is disgusting.
I agree. I wanted to read them all, to give these poor men respect by reading every single word they wrote, but it really disturbed me, I didn;t expect so many of them to be children when it happened.. my eyes are full of tears and rage, and I am ashamed that I feel that, and not compation... I hope this will help them to live little more happier and with little less fear or sadnes
Load More Replies...Why you all writing this question marks, after you have written that you are sorry? It's not only you, of course, but I can't understand all of you guys? What, you aren't sure that you are sorry, or what? Serious question, everybody!
Load More Replies...He is really a great candidate for psychiatric hospital. Jail-psychiatric care (I don't know how it's called in US).
I watched a sad social experiment video where two actors (one was a man, the other was a woman) went out in public and wanted to see how people would react if a woman "sexually harassed" a man. No one cared. In fact, everyone was shouting at the male actor: "Why wouldn't you want to have sex with a beautiful woman like her? Just give in! You're out of your mind to deny sex." Once the roles were reversed and the man started to sexually heats the female, everyone jumped in and stopped it. People will defend any female victims, yet not a male victim. It is very sad.
Load More Replies...Thank God you survived the abuse and grew up to be a very successful person in spite of the damage visited upon you.
These master manipulators will say and do anything to fulfill their deviant fantasies!!
Grieving for the violence that is as much psychological as physical.
Load More Replies...Out of all of these that I have read thus far, this is the saddest comment so far. Others have made me angry, taken me back to my two rapes, and made me want to chase after these offenders. This picture makes me want to hold him in a huge hug, and just let him cry. You are a survivor, and stronger than your abuser. I wish you joy and love each day.
Yes it was bad sex because it was forced sex. Never believe what these monsters tell you. <3
My first therapist told me it was an inappropriate relationship. I found a new therapist who specializes in men who were raped. No, a*****e! I was raped!
I am so sorry. Can't these asses get it in their head: NOBODY F*CKING WANTS IT!
These sick af individuals will say or do anything so as to manipulate their victims. Disgusting in every way possible!
Yes he "is" a sexual predator that gets off on power over a defenseless kid. Wtf!?
It's possible that he feels that he was forced into being gay; What is probably really happening is that he hasn't processed his trauma and is actually continuously reenacting it. In our culture we regard gay as a sexual orientation that is not chosen, and for us it is like that. For him it is not, and it is his reality. Opening up about trauma is the first step to healing. Your insensitive comments here might halt that process. It's his trauma, his life, his situation. Let him have ownership to it. He might be born gay, he might not be born gay; that doesn't change the fact that he lives in a culture were being gay is a punishable offence that might cost him his life, and get him raped even more. So just let him have ownership of his trauma and figure things out for himself. Show some goddamn love, or shut your pie-holes.
I have known a man that had a similar experience in life. He was sold as a youth by his parents to a farming company, where due to his rather feminine appearance suffered horrible abuses before he was able to escape and make his way to the US. He felt it "made him gay" and hated himself for it. He was also from a culture that saw it as a choice instead of an acceptable way to be born. Who can say what the trama they endured caused them to be or not be. I agree that people are too quick to judge the comment he made that it made him gay. These men just need to heal.
Load More Replies...I am so beyond sorry that you had to go thru this. Your parents are supposed to protect you, not abuse you. Both of your parents are sick & should be punished.
Jesus Its do unfair... and btw I don't think you are gay :( so so so will sorry for you... you lost your family as well because they are not your familly
If there only was a physical law that would prevent such disgusting animals from having childer, sigh ...
I understand his pain and I'm sorry for him. But somebody should tell him that it didn't make him gay because that's not how it works.
So sorry to hear how much pain you were forced to deal with. Physically and emotionally.
Strange how innocent kids know what is not right and adults don't.
These sick af individuals need to have physical castration with a rusty blade!!
I'm so glad to see that you've overcome your trauma and moved on. I hope and pray that you never suffer at the hands of other soldiers.
He's the little sicko b***h!! May he burn in hell with all the other predators!!
God. Things my attacker said to me afterwards. I had to face him at work for a couple of weeks where he berated me daily, and then one day he showed up on my doorstep. I was petrified. Thankfully, he went away. It wasn't my fault.
The father is in dire need of a physical castration!! He's sick af!
He’s right, but not in the way he meant. Surviving sexual assault is all about being unembarrassed and unashamed about what was done to you, and coming to terms with the fact that YOU ARE UNBREAKABLE!
Really!!? Then why the hell are you being hurt!? Lying manipulator!!
"How can a girl rape a boy?" - Nearly everyone I tried to tell for first four year after it happened. "Man up!" - my ex fiancé in responce to the panic attack I was having caused by seeing my rapist for the first time since the incident had occured eight years previous.
Load More Replies...I hope you dumped your then fiance instead of making her your now wife
I think that too many people have the perception that men and women have the exact same reaction to being raped, and that the cause of mental trauma is the same. The impact of the actual act of violation affects people (much less genders) differently. Hence it may be other acts or the impact of those acts which affect males differently. Loan sharks have been reported and documented to use male-on-male rape to emasculate and control male debtors, and the impact is pretty severe.
I am really sorry you had to go through this living hell, especially without understanding and support. I hope your rapist has paid the price for what she did to you. :.(
I can read it. Men can be raped by women you are valid and she was a messed up for that. Rape is rape it doesn't matter what gender or sexual orientation you are
OMG, the ex-girlfriend wasn't much better than the rapist :( Such a lack of empathy.
That's what many of them say: "you caused it yourself!" Sick bastards!!! So sorry 😢😢
My "mother" said that I caused my rape to happen when I was younger by her new husband's cousin. We no longer talk.
Load More Replies...i think i'm lacking some context for this quote... is this what the attacker said before they assaulted him? like it was some sort of twisted "training" or skill building? :(
Thats it. I’m also a victim. Held me down and punched me and slid his tiny penis in my vagina. Then said”” man up you b***h , I can do whatever I want.” A month ago
I'm so sorry for you. I hope you're seeing a therapist. Get better, mate. Know you're not the only one. Lots of us hurt. I'm an old man now. I've gotten over mine, and I wish I could take your pain away.
So very sorry for this sick af predator even being in your life.
Let's play a game: it's called touching bums and willys. He then pushed me face first into the corner and tried to force himself inside me
Load More Replies...The men here are totally going to be fine. Their predators will suffer for what they have done. They will see it happen to them, then they go to jail.
Yeah right, it was your words you sick predator, not your physically raping me!!! Sickest predator.
No bitch it's something that you did. i'm so sorry that happen to you
These are truly heartbreaking. Its infuriating that people in this day and age still believe males cannot be raped. ANYONE can be raped, NO means no, and silence IS NOT consent!
Rape abuse shouldn't happen to men women or children. No means no . So heartbreaking reading each of these
Doesn't matter if you're female, male or transgender: Sexual assault will always remain sexual assault. It's truly horrible how many people think that boys and men just have to "man up" in situations like these. Being masculine ALSO includes the desire and right of being in safe zones. The horrible part is that so many have experienced this in an early stage in their childhoods and their views of life might have been completely changed forever. For those who have come out and spoke openly about their assault: you have my respect and that of hundreds of other persons. To those who still struggle, not having found the courage to speak out: Hang in there, and keep telling yourself that you are stronger than you think, because you are. And never be afraid to seek help in cases like these. Remember that a beautiful life still awaits for you, if you haven't found it yet.
Why are we voting on these? Like one is worse or more brave than the other... they are all heartbreaking. Noone should experience this.
My thoughts, exactly. I decided to vote the whole list, for being informative, and making the boys to be heard, but I didn't want to vote on any post individually because the pain of each of them is equally horrible. However, I DID vote the one who says his experience dows not define him, because I found it encouraging. There are people who actually commit suicide for not being able to cope with the aftermath and mental abuse, but this guy, who's been through it himself, is basically telling you to stay strong. I hope his attitude helps other victims as well.
Load More Replies...C**p .. there are no words to this. Do not know what is worse, the disgusting creeps who do this or the immensely stupid reactions of the people who are being told this, like Man up, Did you like it and similar s**t
Hey man can you hand me a slice of pizza I was 8...I thought the guy was my fiend he was 15 I was over becouse he had a ps1 and mine broke...it was 85 degrees outside I almost went fishing but I really wanted to play wwf smackdown...I remember everything from that day....I told my mom and dad my best friend died from leukemia when I came home....to this day I have not told them.... I just don't think it's something that they can handle and I'm over it I got help for it and the dr told me I was alright...the only person I told other Than that Dr is my wife...it's not ok it's never ok it does happen even if you are a man boy what ever
And people tell me I'm crazy for being particular about who keeps my child, who he hangs around or why I won't date anyone so he can have a daddy. One of these men was 2 years old!! The same age as my baby. Hell no.
These are truly heartbreaking. Its infuriating that people in this day and age still believe males cannot be raped. ANYONE can be raped, NO means no, and silence IS NOT consent!
Rape abuse shouldn't happen to men women or children. No means no . So heartbreaking reading each of these
Doesn't matter if you're female, male or transgender: Sexual assault will always remain sexual assault. It's truly horrible how many people think that boys and men just have to "man up" in situations like these. Being masculine ALSO includes the desire and right of being in safe zones. The horrible part is that so many have experienced this in an early stage in their childhoods and their views of life might have been completely changed forever. For those who have come out and spoke openly about their assault: you have my respect and that of hundreds of other persons. To those who still struggle, not having found the courage to speak out: Hang in there, and keep telling yourself that you are stronger than you think, because you are. And never be afraid to seek help in cases like these. Remember that a beautiful life still awaits for you, if you haven't found it yet.
Why are we voting on these? Like one is worse or more brave than the other... they are all heartbreaking. Noone should experience this.
My thoughts, exactly. I decided to vote the whole list, for being informative, and making the boys to be heard, but I didn't want to vote on any post individually because the pain of each of them is equally horrible. However, I DID vote the one who says his experience dows not define him, because I found it encouraging. There are people who actually commit suicide for not being able to cope with the aftermath and mental abuse, but this guy, who's been through it himself, is basically telling you to stay strong. I hope his attitude helps other victims as well.
Load More Replies...C**p .. there are no words to this. Do not know what is worse, the disgusting creeps who do this or the immensely stupid reactions of the people who are being told this, like Man up, Did you like it and similar s**t
Hey man can you hand me a slice of pizza I was 8...I thought the guy was my fiend he was 15 I was over becouse he had a ps1 and mine broke...it was 85 degrees outside I almost went fishing but I really wanted to play wwf smackdown...I remember everything from that day....I told my mom and dad my best friend died from leukemia when I came home....to this day I have not told them.... I just don't think it's something that they can handle and I'm over it I got help for it and the dr told me I was alright...the only person I told other Than that Dr is my wife...it's not ok it's never ok it does happen even if you are a man boy what ever
And people tell me I'm crazy for being particular about who keeps my child, who he hangs around or why I won't date anyone so he can have a daddy. One of these men was 2 years old!! The same age as my baby. Hell no.
