carrie outhier banks

​​Submission Guidelines​...

The following are possible questions for you to consider as you decide what you choose to share that would help explain the effects and circumstances of abuse and assault to others. Some will relate to your stories while others will be hearing/reading details such as yours for the first time.  In either instance, both will result in significantly moving the abuse and assault conversation forward.  

• My first recollection of being abused and/or assaulted was . . .
• How long did the abuse last?  After the initial abuse, were there subsequent abusers or situations of assaults?
  
• Was the abuse/assault reported to authorities; if so, what was the result… - if not reported, why I could not do so?
  
• Was the support I received from police, the court, resource centers in my life  helpful or not helpful…explain..
  
• The reaction of my family and/or friends during or after the abuse was. . .  
  
• Why I could not leave (this applies to domestic, school, workplace, etc.).
  
• If I could thank one person for their help, it would be… and why?
  
• If I could identify a turning point in my life, it would be ________ and why?
  
• If I had to tell someone why I am a speaking out, I would have to say...
  

Guidelines:
1. Tell your story of assault or abuse. 
2. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart. Many people tell personal stories for the first time in writing, and they find it to be a cathartic and productive experience. 
3. Keep your story to 5 pages or less.
4. Your story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing.

The most powerful stories are about people sharing themselves.
A few more tips about submitting:
1. The only way to submit your stories is via our website. If you have any problems when trying to fill out the form and submit your work, please contact our webmaster at: webmaster@carriebanks.com . Responses from the webmaster usually takes several days, so be patient.
2. Please submit only stories or poems that have not been previously published. The only exception to this is if your work has only been published in a small local publication with limited circulation or on your own blog.
3. Please do not send us any book manuscripts. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions: carrie@carriebanks.com