Today is Human Rights Day 2018 with the theme “Stand Up For Human Rights” This marks the last day of the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign, #HearMeToo. Rape and sexual violence against young girls and women is a violation of their fundamental human right to life, liberty, freedom from slavery and torture and from any opinion and expression that continues to perpetuate the wall of silence that persists. The WARIF women at the Women At Risk International...
Because we have accepted to hide the abuse we suffer, because we have decided to be silent through the hurt. Because we don’t speak loud enough or often enough. Because of the fear, the tears and the stares. But no more! It is time to HEAR ME TOO, it is our time to stand up and fight against any abuse or violation of any girl, woman or child. We will no longer sit still and be silent. We will honour ourselves by...
A major step in the elimination of sexual violence is prevention. Prevention efforts include changing prevailing attitudes and practices that encourage gender inequality; Education and increasing awareness to the issues that surround gender based violence and making available the necessary infrastructure and resources to promote good health care and support for all women. I’ve been suffering from insomnia for many years. It was coming and going until I learned about the drug called Ambien from https://j-galt.com/ambien-10mg/....
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...
