Share Your Story

Your Story Matters. Your Voice Helps Others Find Theirs.

Many survivors tell us that when they read someone else’s experience, it was the first time they felt seen, understood, and no longer alone. If you feel ready to share, we are honored to hold your story with care. Your words may bring clarity, validation, and healing to yourself or someone else who is still living in confusion or fear.

Choosing Whether to Publish or Share Privately

You can choose one of two options:

• I want my story considered for publication.
• I want to share privately for my healing, not for publication.

Either option is welcome.

Some people feel strengthened and empowered by sharing publicly. Others simply need a safe place to release their story and be witnessed privately. Whatever your intention, we will honor it.

If you choose to be considered for publication, to honor your experience and protect your privacy, your story will be reviewed using the following guidelines.

Submission Guidelines

Your Safety Comes First

Please do not include real names, your own, your abuser’s, or anyone involved. You may use pseudonyms if that is helpful.

Stories Are Not Guaranteed to Be Published

We receive many submissions, and while we read every story with care, not all can be published.

Stories Must Include How MEND Has Helped

Many readers visit our site searching for clarity or hope. For this reason, we only publish stories that include how The MEND Project has supported your healing or understanding. This is not required for submission, but it is required for publication.

Review & Editing Process

Please allow 6–8 weeks for us to review submissions.

During this process, we may:

• Make grammatical edits
• Adjust structure or flow for readability
• Soften explicit or triggering language
• Remove identifying information for safety

We will never change the heart, message, or meaning of your story.

Word Count

To help ensure clarity and readability:

• Minimum: 500 words
• Ideal: 800 words
• Maximum: 1,200 words

Anonymity

Your story will be published anonymously unless you request a pseudonym. We will never publish real names.

Permission to Publish

By submitting your story, you give The MEND Project permission to reproduce, publish, and share your story, in whole or in part, on our website, social media, or any platforms we use to further our mission. You can withdraw your permission at any time before publication.

Before You Begin

If you are seeking advice, have a question, or want emotional support, this form isn’t the right place, but we absolutely want to support you.

We warmly invite you to join our Restore Coaching Community, where our Founder, Annette, will answer your anonymous questions live in a Zoom webinar, offering guidance in a safe, inclusive, and validating space.

If writing your story brings up pain or overwhelm, it’s okay to pause or stop altogether. Your healing matters more than completion. Before sharing, you may find it helpful to read our guide, How to Tell Your Story of Abuse.