I am BRITTNEY

Most people think that's just a name.

But it's so much more

I hide behind Brittney and the scary thing is...

People don't see through it

Family, Friends, Strangers

Don't see the struggle beneath

I hear...

"You're BRITTNEY, you'd never hurt yourself."

or 

"You're not allowed to be sad, you're BRITTNEY."

If they only knew the real ME

Rewind...

I have been abused

PHYSICALLY
MENTALLY
VERBALLY
SEXUALLY

By a boyfriend who claimed he LOVED me

I was barely 15. 

I can already hear the new words...

"I would've thought BRITTNEY was strong enough to tell him no."

or

"BRITTNEY, are you okay? Do you want to talk?

I can barely acknowledge the abuse myself which is why

BRITTNEY is my mask

BRITTNEY should just be a name, but it's not.

Fast Forward...

My name is BRITTNEY

Most people think that's just a name.

But it's so much more.

I will no longer hide.

I will no longer be a victim.

I will no longer be scared of the man who ALMOST wrecked my life

BUT DIDN'T

I am BRITTNEY

I am victorious. 

And now EVERYONE will see.