We’ve Got Some Things to Say: Reshaping Narratives Around Sexual Violence is a groundbreaking anthology that explores the profound aftermath of sexual violence through the voices of survivors. This collection of personal reflections and poetic expressions exposes the shared, yet deeply personal, experiences of trauma—both individual and collective—while simultaneously addressing sexual violence as a pervasive societal issue. In doing so, the anthology challenges the cultural narratives that have long perpetuated silence and shame, inviting readers to confront the insidious questions survivors often face, such as “What were you wearing?” or “Had you been drinking?”

At the heart of this anthology lies the transformative power of storytelling and the reclaiming of voice. As editor and contributor Mary Simmerling writes in the introduction, “Writing becomes a way to reclaim our narratives, to find coherence in chaos, and to give voice to what has been silenced.” Each poem and story is a testament to individual resilience and a collective effort to reshape the harmful myths that too often surround sexual violence. These narratives are not only acts of survival but of resistance against the societal structures that seek to erase these experiences from public consciousness.

The anthology powerfully illustrates how survivors anchor themselves to ordinary moments and objects—like an overhead fan or a fleeting memory—as a means of making sense of their trauma. Through courageous, raw, and eloquent verse, We've Got Some Things to Say offers a uniquely personal yet universal look into the long and complex journey from assault to survival, suffering to healing. Each piece serves as an invitation to share in the intimate and deeply human process of navigating a world forever changed by violence but also filled with the possibility of finding voice, agency, and peace.

Ultimately, this collection calls on readers to recognize sexual violence not merely as a personal tragedy, but as a societal problem that demands our collective attention and action. As Simmerling poignantly notes, this anthology creates “a community of belonging and hopefulness,” where survivors' stories are seen, heard, and validated, reinforcing the power of storytelling to heal both individuals and communities.