Share Your Story.

You clicked the button! It is a very brave thing you are doing. If you got out of a high control environment of any kind, the world needs to hear your story. Your experience may hold keys to another person's freedom.

For those of us who have been immersed in an exploitive or controlling relationship or group, expressing experiences through writing can be healing. It gives us an opportunity to organize our thoughts, lay bare the harm, take ownership of our narrative, and transform ourselves through creativity.

If the writing process feels overwhelming, remember...you don't have to try to capture the entire arc of your experience in one story. Some of the most powerful stories are an exploration of one single event or specific aspect of what you went through.

Guidance for Story Submissions:

• Your story is unique and personal. To protect privacy, we'll work together to replace any names of specific organizations, churches, companies, and individuals with anonymous alternatives.
• We want to ensure everyone's confidentiality and safety. As you write, focus on your experiences rather than including details that might inadvertently reveal identities. (We can help fine-tune anonymization during the editing process, so don't let this be an obstacle to your creativity and self-expression.)
• Share your story in your own words. We're looking for first-person accounts that reflect your personal journey and experiences.
• Your story is about you. While it's ok to mention things that helped you heal in your story, we ask that you avoid promoting specific organizations or ideologies as universal solutions.
• Please keep your writing to 1500 words (around 3 pages or less). Feel free to use your words to express experiences, emotions, and feelings in whatever way you choose.

It is an honor to be trusted with your story and to have the opportunity to help others by sharing a piece of your journey on igotout.org and our social media platforms. We're excited to hear your story and will gladly assist you in crafting a powerful, personal narrative while maintaining privacy and safety for all.

You may be wondering, "why does igotout not name groups or people?" By anonymizing groups and individuals, we protect both igotout.org and our contributors from potential litigation. Additionally, when specific names are removed, readers can more easily recognize patterns of control, manipulation, exploitation, and abuse that may mirror their own experiences.

While you may want to name groups or individuals who caused you harm, doing so requires careful consideration. The Whistleblower Guide on igotout.org provides important information to help you make informed decisions about speaking out and protecting yourself in the process.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou

Personal Information

(Your name, email address, and information will not be shared with any outside parties.)
Name (Real or Anonymized)*

First NameLast Name
Email Address*
What country are you from?
Sharing this information helps us understand the reach and accessibility of #igotout.
How did you hear about igotout.org?
Learning how you heard about igotout.org can help us better represent survivors and bring more visibility to our stories.

Story Submission Details

Your words can change someone's life.
What is the title of your story?*
How would you like your story signed? (This can be whatever you want it to be.)*
If your story is on document, you may upload it here.

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Alternatively, you can type your story here...

Provide Visuals to Accompany Your Story

The igotout.org website and our social media platforms thrive on impactful imagery. If you have symbolic or meaningful pictures that represent your journey, we'd love to include them. Don't worry if you don't have personal visuals to share – we can collaborate to find powerful stock photos or graphics that capture the essence of your story. Visual elements can add depth and resonance to your words, helping readers connect more deeply with your experience.
General Image Preferences:*

I am uploading my own images / photos for my story.I am ok with igotout.org choosing the visual elements of my story's presentation.
Upload one or more images here.

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Did you make your own graphics for your story? You can upload your 1080 X 1080 slides for social media here.

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Editing Preferences

We want your story to be presented in the best, most accessible way possible...which may mean helping with spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc. but let's make sure we're on the same page with the editing process.
While igotout.org is based in the United States with a primarily English-speaking audience, we recognize and value our global reach. To help us process your submission effectively, please let us know about the language of your story. (This information helps us understand any unique language patterns or formatting in your submission, ensuring we can present your story in the most authentic and impactful way.)*

My story was written in English, which is my primary language.I wrote my story in English, but it's not my first language.My story was originally written in another language and has been translated to English.
Please select your preference regarding any editing of your piece.*

I want to see any changes before publication.I am ok with the piece being edited (including anonymizing names) and don't need to see it before publication.I am not ok with any changes being made to the piece. Please use in the original form or not at all.
At igotout.org, we use Claude, an AI assistant guided by the UN Declaration of Human Rights, to help with editing and crafting captions. We preserve your authentic voice through minimal edits and careful human oversight.

Learn more about Anthropic's ethical framework and Constitutional AI.
Are you ok with your story being uploaded to this AI tool?*

YesNoI'd like to discuss this with igotout first.

Publishing Preferences

You have control over how your story is shared. Let us know which platforms you're comfortable with, whether you'd like to be tagged on social media, or if you prefer to remain completely anonymous.
Where would you like your story published?*

The igotout.org websiteInstagram - @igotout_orgBluesky - @igotout.bsky.socialI'm not sure...I'd like to talk to igotout.org before deciding.
I want to be tagged on social media.*

YesNo
Please provide your handles for whichever platforms you want to be tagged on.
If you have chosen to have your piece shared on social media, are there any specific hashtags you want us to use in the caption of your post?
(Share up to 10.)
Would you like to add some words here for the social media caption? This is a space where you can talk about your healing journey, resources that you've found helpful, reflections on the writing process, insights, etc.
Please limit this to around 700 characters. (As captions on instagram have a max of 2200 characters, we will want space to add our own reflections on your piece as well as relevant hashtags.)

Final Permissions and Acknowledgements

Whew! You made it to the end!!! Just a few last questions...
I have reviewed my submission carefully. I understand that my story will not be published on igotout platforms if names of people, organizations, or companies have not been anonymized.*

I understand and am ok with this.
I am submitting my story and/or artwork freely and on my own volition. I understand the potential impact of sharing my story and am doing so free from any outside influence.*

I understand and am ok with this.
I grant igotout.org permission to share my content as stated in my choices on this form.*

I understand and am ok with this.
To request content removal, I understand I need to email free@igotout.org. While removal may not be immediate, the request will be processed as soon as possible.*

I understand and am ok with this.
Should be Empty:

Guidance for Story Submissions:

While you may want to name groups or individuals who caused you harm, doing so requires careful consideration. The Whistleblower Guide on igotout.org provides important information to help you make informed decisions about speaking out and protecting yourself in the process.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou

Personal Information

Story Submission Details

Provide Visuals to Accompany Your Story

Editing Preferences

At igotout.org, we use Claude, an AI assistant guided by the UN Declaration of Human Rights, to help with editing and crafting captions. We preserve your authentic voice through minimal edits and careful human oversight.Learn more about Anthropic's ethical framework and Constitutional AI.

Publishing Preferences

Final Permissions and Acknowledgements

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou

At igotout.org, we use Claude, an AI assistant guided by the UN Declaration of Human Rights, to help with editing and crafting captions. We preserve your authentic voice through minimal edits and careful human oversight.

Learn more about Anthropic's ethical framework and Constitutional AI.