As I sat in one of Uganda’s most prestigious universities with my multi-cultural co-workers trying to raise awareness about women’s reproductive health, I had the most cringe-worthy moment of my life. As we answered questions about how condoms and religion don’t agree with each other, a guy in his mid-20s told us we should talk to the women exclusively. When …
Tag: Domestic Violence
Feminism In India
Every year for international women’s day, WhatsApp is flooded with forwarding messages about women. Their importance, their achievements, and an ever long reasons for them to be celebrated. One said, “A beautiful woman draws strength from troubles, smiled during distress and grown stronger with prayers and hope. You are one of them. Wishing you a very Happy Women’s day.” …
Shut Up Or Be Shamed
India is a diverse country and full of contradictions. On one side we have a long history of influential women leaders while on the other, girls and women are asked to dress in a certain way to not entice men into raping them. Women are sacred only for as long as they follow a prescribed outline of how to look, …
The Many Facets of Violence Against Women
The Widespread Nature of Violence Against Women (VAW) Before I begin, I’d like to give a couple of disclaimers. If any readers are sensitive to the discussion about sexual trauma, please read with caution. This blog post outlines the prominence of VAW in several areas of life, which may induce anxiety for certain people. Additionally, I would like to disclose …
Domestic Violence Awareness… Enough is Enough!
Domestic violence continues to be a widespread issue that must end! Domestic violence is defined as “a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” Many people think of the physical side of domestic abuse, but emotional and verbal abuse are both domestic violence. As a result, the physical …
Child Sexual Abuse and Kidnapping: Anonymous Submission
*Trigger Warning* Topic: Child Sexual Abuse and Kidnapping My Story I was born on January 8, 1980, in Readfield, Maine to J. and M. I was their first child and my sister was born in 1982. My parents never really got along very well and though they tried for my sister and me, they eventually separated in 1983, and their short …
Jessica Eaton: Domestic, Sexual, Child Abuse and Rape
Topic: Domestic Abuse/CSA/Rape ***Trigger Warning for Extremely Graphic Content*** My Story The Sexual Abuse Started Early I was 11 when my parents divorced. It was messy. Dad was devastated and started drinking. Mum had been having an affair and had moved in with her new boyfriend. I don’t remember feeling vulnerable but I was clearly a sitting duck, in hindsight. The …
Speak Our Stories: Domestic Violence and Rape by @atdrye
Topic: Domestic Violence & Rape *Trigger Warning* My Story As a child, I experienced sexual abuse at the hands of my oldest brother. It began before I can even remember, likely at three or four-years-old, and went on until I was twelve years old. Even though he was abusing me, I loved my brother and idolized him. It was very confusing …
Speak Our Stories – This is the Way Domestic Violence Affects Us All by @kalbirbains
Topic: Domestic Violence My Story My mother raised four children on her own, without any support from my father. She had to protect us from my father, who was abusive to us all. Although my mother tried not to show how difficult it was being a single parent, it was hard for her children to see the struggles she faced, …