For every survivor story that has been shared, there are countless survivors that are living in fear and silence. Abused daily and too afraid to speak up . They are threatened with even more violence, convinced they would be blamed, ashamed they would be judged with no one to believe them. There is a wall of silence around discussions of sexual violence and every time a survivor speaks out, it creates a crack in that wall. Every time she shares her...
Rapists rape. The accountability and the shame lies with them and them alone and not with the survivor. And the rest of us? We have a role to play too. We can no longer be bystanders watching as these acts occur in our homes, schools, offices and neighbourhoods. We need to intervene and be our brother and sisters keepers. Stand up and defend the more vulnerable and oppressed in our society. It is our collective responsibility to do so. See something? Say something! Save...
Sexual Consent is an agreement to participate in sexual activity between two adults (over the legal age of 18). It is a vital concept that needs to be understood when it comes to intimate relations between men and women as it must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic and specific. When there is no consent, it is sexual violation or rape. If you are forced to have sex against your will, if you say no, asleep, unconscious, under the influence of...
During sexual assaults that involve penetrative sex, women are exposed to infections as perpetrators do not typically use any forms of contraception such as condoms. This leads to a higher incidence of HIV/AIDS cases. If untested, women run the risk of spreading this infection to others and if untreated, can lead to death. The use of Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (P.E.P) treatment of HIV with the appropriate drugs within 72 hours of the assault reduces the risk of infection. This treatment is available...
The term “Perpetrator” refers to an individual who carries out any violent, harmful or illegal sexual act. These acts include rape and various forms of sexual assault Perpetrators live among us in plain sight; they are everyday “normal” looking individuals who are fathers , uncles , work companions and friends. There is no age , race , social , educational or ethnic criteria for a perpetrator. Like his ‘survivor’ this individual cuts across all demographics. The time is now. The world is...
The emotional and mental consequences of sexual violence are more long term. Trust issues arise with women experiencing paranoia, depression as well as suicidal thoughts or attempts. They are also prone to post traumatic stress disorder with flashbacks, panic attacks and cases of anxiety which are very common. Survivors need a safe friendly haven where help is available by trusted professionals. The WARIF Centre offers free medical treatment, counselling and social welfare services to all clients. Starting the journey to full recovery. We...
The sexual assault of a child, the rape of a young girl or woman results in traumatic consequences. The immediate impact is the physical trauma sustained -the broken bones and injuries sometimes resulting in death; the increased risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like HIV that can result is also a grave concern. You have shown strength and you are courageous! What happened to you does not define you . You are not alone. Share our stories , repost , tag someone...
This stigma of sexual abuse by a family member or friend makes it difficult for survivors to speak out about the assault. Survivors young and old are coerced, threatened and made to keep silent by their families. They are shamed and scared into thinking it is their fault and no one will believe them. Share our stories , repost , tag someone and join us in the #orangetheworldwithWARIF campaign as we celebrate the #16DaysOfActivism against Gender Based Violence. #Warif #OrangeTheWorldWithWarif #HearMeToo #OrangeTheWorld #16daysofActivism [email protected]| www.warifng.org Facebook: @warifng Twitter: @warif_ng Instagram: @...
Perpetrators of sexual violence are often times people closest to the survivor – a husband, father, an uncle or family friend. The assault is usually carried out in safe spaces such a home , school or a neighbour’s house. It can occur at any time of the day. Share our stories , repost , tag someone and join us in the #orangetheworldwithWARIF campaign #Warif #OrangeTheWorldWithWarif #HearMeToo #OrangeTheWorld #16daysofActivism ...
Today is the International Day of the Elimination of the Violence Against Women which marks the first day of the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence Campaign. Silence and stigma has allowed violence to be perpetrated against women for far too long. Voices of countless women everywhere experiencing violence and abuse need to be heard...
