Build a safe harbor for survivors, together.
Community users
Resource referrals
Countries with shared content
Why it matters
For many survivors, the hardest part is feeling alone.
Healing begins when survivors feel heard. A story that mirrors their own shows them that what happened was real, and that they are not to blame. A message of support from another survivor reminds them that they are not alone. Our Wave creates safe, anonymous spaces where these moments can happen for every survivor, wherever they live and whenever they're ready. Together, we are building a community where every story is met with understanding instead of judgement, and every survivor can find their own path to healing.
Global reach
Stories from 79 countries. Visitors from 95 more.
Survivors are writing to us from everywhere, including places where trauma care is rare and speaking up carries real risk. Sharing anonymously lets them be heard without being exposed. 1,198 stories have come from the United States, and here are a few of the other countries survivors are writing from.
By the Numbers
We are building a pathway to healing, together.
Times content was read
Survivor stories shared
Survivor questions answered by experts
Grounding exercises started
Resource referrals
Reactions of empathy and solidarity
Voices of Support
Hear from our users & supporters.
Hayley Harris
Co-founder, Layers of Dignity
“When a survivor has a safe place to tell their story they are given empowerment and freedom - Our Wave does just that!”
Anonymous
Our Wave User
“Sharing my story allowed me to feel like I had a voice that I didn’t have before. I had the freedom to choose when and who I shared it with.”
Suzanne Brown-McBride
Former Executive Director of CALCASA
“I believe that Our Wave provides a vital platform for survivors to find collective voice safely and securely. We will never find a way to end sexual harm until we can talk about it and learn from one another. Talking about the violence in our lives can be a way to find healing and hope.”
Sarah S.
Our Wave User
“If I had known when I was a 20-year old girl that there was a place where I could go to talk about my experience. A place where I could meet a warm and accepting community to share this stuff with would have made an enormous difference. It can really remove the pain and reconnect you to people again after feeling isolated for so long.”
Melissa Hague
Survivor Advocacy Lawyer
“Telling and sharing the stories of assault survivors is one of the most healing and empowering tools we have to end the rape culture. For decades, predators have relied on victim silencing and victim blaming to get away with criminal behavior. With each story that is told it chips away at that shield predators have hid behind for far too long. Thank you so much for giving survivors a safe place where they can be a voice not only for their own healing but also for all the other survivors out there who feel alone.”
Denise Saint Arnault
PhD, RN, FAAN
“I have been listening to survivor stories my entire 30 year career. What continues to astound me is how infrequently these stories are shared, and how often I hear “You are the first person I have ever told.” Even writing those words brings tears to my eyes, and I want to shout “Please don’t hide! You have done nothing wrong! You deserve love and tenderness and healing!” What I also know is the power of telling those stories. It decreases our isolation, breaks up the shame, and allows others to give us the love and support we deserve. Finally, research shows that even writing our stories (here or in a journal) changes our ability to process them, moving us toward healing. Thank you Our Wave for this project, and thank you survivors for sharing your story.”
What your gift does
Every gift goes to work for survivors.
- $50
Helps keep Our Wave free and anonymous for every survivor who visits.
- $100
Helps a survivor's question reach an expert, with an answer posted within days.
- $250
Covers about three days of the servers and technology that keep the platform running.
- $500
Helps our team review shared stories with care and send each person tailored resources.
- $1,000
Helps fund research with survivors, including our paid survivor advisory board.
Transparency
Built on research, shared openly.
We study what helps survivors heal and publish what we learn. Our impact reports and research are open to everyone.
Candid has awarded Our Wave its Platinum Seal of Transparency, its highest level, for sharing our goals, strategies, and results.
Ways To Give
Monthly
Choose Monthly in the form. A steady gift lets us plan ahead.
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Donor-Advised Funds
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