Dominic Bolanle

“Why I Speak Out 💔😢

I am Iyabo Ojo, and I want to say this clearly: I am not ashamed. I am not afraid. And I am not sorry for standing against r**e. I will always speak out, because I was r**ed—five times.

Yes, five times.

I know that might shock some people. It might even make some uncomfortable. But this is my truth. And I am tired of hiding. For too long, I carried pain that wasn’t mine to carry. I blamed myself. I cried in silence. I smiled when I was breaking inside. I acted strong when all I wanted was to be held and told, “You’ll be okay.”

The first time it happened, I didn’t even understand what was going on. I was so young. I felt dirty. I felt broken. And worst of all, I felt alone. Every time it happened again, a part of me died. I would look in the mirror and not recognize the girl staring back at me. I became good at pretending. But deep down, I was hurting.

That’s why I fight so hard now. That’s why I will never keep quiet. I don’t care who feels uncomfortable. I don’t care what people say. I speak up for the girl who’s crying in her room right now, thinking it’s her fault. I speak for the woman who still carries shame that was never hers. I speak for every survivor who feels invisible.

I am unapologetic because silence helps rapists, not victims.

I have healed, but the scars remain. And I carry them with pride now—not as a reminder of pain, but as proof that I survived. I’m not looking for pity. I’m using my voice to bring light into dark places. If my story gives one girl the courage to speak, then it’s worth it.

To anyone out there who has gone through what I went through: You are not alone. You are not dirty. You are not broken. You are strong. You are loved. And most importantly, you are not to blame.

This is why I will always stand against r**e. Without fear. Without apology.

— Iyabo ojo

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