#MeToo

January 27, 2018

Trigger warning: This article discusses sexual harassment and sexual violence, which may be triggering to survivors.


You’ve probably seen the hashtag. And you probably know what it means. #MeToo.


Since stories of sexual assault and abuse in Hollywood broke in October, women and men have told their stories of sexual abuse or assault on social media, tagging them with the now-famous phrase, #MeToo.


Maybe you’ve added your own voice to the movement. Maybe you’ve typed #MeToo.


Or maybe you haven’t shared your story or typed #MeToo, but your heart definitely cries out in heartbroken silence, Me Too!


For some survivors of sexual abuse or assault, the #MeToo movement has been empowering, a pivotal moment in healing. A very real acknowledgment that you are not alone, that you are seen and heard and believed. This movement has done a lot to take away the shame and secrecy of sexual abuse and assault.

For others, the near-constant news-stream of abuse and assault allegations against one famous person after another has been overwhelming, a trigger for many memories and hurts to surface. Maybe it’s brought up pain you weren’t quite prepared to handle.


If you’ve been abused or assaulted, first we want to say that we’re so sorry this has happened to you. It shouldn’t have happened. As you know by all the #MeToo hashtags on social media, you’re definitely not alone. And you didn’t deserve this. Nobody does.


So, if you’re struggling with all the emotions that have come with the #MeToo movement, we want to encourage you.


Choose to participate, to speak up, to hashtag, to read the news. Or not. Everyone is different. For some people, speaking up and sharing their stories publicly will be empowering and freeing. For others, it will feel too overwhelming, too risky. You might not be ready. You might never be ready to tell anyone outside your closest friends. That’s OK. It’s OK to protect yourself. It’s OK to not read the news articles. It’s OK to skim over someone’s social media post about their assault. You choose the level of participation that is best for you. Don’t feel pressured to tell your story publicly if you aren’t ready and if you don’t have the resources and support to handle it.


Pay attention to your reaction. You may have noticed that your anxiety level has increased. You might feel down or withdrawn or hollow. You might have nightmares or feel like you’re reliving the abuse or assault. You might feel like your heart is racing or like your stomach is cramping. You might just feel extra stressed for what seems to be no reason. If you’ve been reading a lot in the news or in your social media feeds about big, abuse scandals or about the abuse of your friends, then it could be that those stories are triggering traumatic responses in your body. If so, we encourage you to find someone — a mental health professional or a trusted friend — to help you process through this.


Consider talking to a professional. If you have survived sexual abuse or assault, talking with a professional counselor or therapist may help you move beyond the trauma. Having a professional look you in the eye and say, “I hear you, and I believe you,” can be very healing. People trained in helping abuse and assault survivors can also help you understand the trauma and learn coping skills as you process through it all.


If you’ve been sexually abused or assaulted, we want to connect you to people who are trained to help you.

If you’re in Kearney, you can contact:


If you’re in Grand Island, you can contact:


However you are handling this #MeToo movement and wherever you are in the healing process, let us remind you of your worth, your strength, your love. Take some time to care for yourself — show yourself kindness; give yourself comfort; connect with someone who supports you. And if we can help you in any way, please call us.

My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

May 21, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.
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