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I have a new post out on my blog discussing feminism, police perception, and victim labeling in the context of human trafficking and sexual abuse survivors. Read here:

🌟 Amplifying Black Women's Leadership in the Anti-Sexual Violence Movement 🌟 In honor of Black History Month and every month thereafter, it's crucial to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black women who have led and continue to lead the anti-sexual violence movement. For far too long, the voices and experiences of Black women have been marginalized and overlooked, both within society and within movements aimed at addressing sexual violence. Yet, it is Black women who have been at the forefront of advocating for change, challenging systems of oppression, and centering the experiences of survivors. Highlighting the leadership of Black women in the anti-sexual violence movement is not only important; it is essential. It acknowledges the intersectional nature of sexual violence and recognizes that systemic racism and sexism are deeply intertwined. It honors the resilience, strength, and courage of Black women who have been fighting for justice and equality for generations. By amplifying Black women's voices and experiences, we acknowledge the importance of intersectionality in our approach to addressing sexual violence. We recognize that the fight for justice must be inclusive, centering the experiences of marginalized communities and addressing the intersecting forms of oppression they face. As we continue to commemorate Black History Month and beyond, let us commit to centering Black women's leadership in the anti-sexual violence movement and in all our efforts for social justice and equality. Our voices, our stories, and our leadership matter. Let's ensure they are heard, valued, and uplifted. #BlackWomenLeaders #SexualViolenceAwareness #IntersectionalJustice

Today, as we honor and celebrate Juneteenth, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by the Black community, including the disproportionately high rates of sexual abuse that they experience. 💡 Did You Know? 💡 🔍 Research shows that Black people, especially Black women, experience sexual abuse at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts. For instance, Black women are at least twice as likely to be sexually assaulted as white women (Rennison, 2002; Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Today and every day, let's amplify our voices to support those who continue to fight against systemic inequalities and injustice. #teenswithtrauma #endsexualviolence #juneteenth #juneteenth2024 #marylandmentalhealth #baltimorementalhealth #supportsurvivors #supportteensurvivors #supportyouth #traumasupport #traumatherapy #teensupport #mentalhealthishealth #teenmentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate #celebratefreedom

Interesting article that very simply sums up the incredibly sad state that is, the increasing rate of violence against women and girls. Of course this discussion is much more nuanced, but it provides a really clear outline as to what is happening and why... With the increasingly digital world that we are all so smothered by, it's now become everyone's responsibility to educate and champion the youth of today. We need to do better that's for sure.

Spread the #truthmatters & break #myths #sexoffendertreatment works. Know your facts.

Today is Trans Day of Remembrance. 🙏🏻Take a minute to sit with these stark facts: ❗ 320 Trans/Gender-diverse people were killed between Oct 2022 - Sept 2023. ❗ The vast majority (94%) were trans women or trans-feminine people. Most were Black, many were sex workers too. ❗ 80% of those killed were people affected by racism, up 15% from last year. ❗ Many of the victims were young; most were 19 to 25 years old. 🏳️⚧️ Take some time today to honor the Trans and Nonbinary lives that were stolen from us because of fear, hatred, & transphobia. ❓ How will you uplift & support Trans & Nonbinary people in your life, your community, your family so not one more is taken from us before their time? More information on the epidemic of anti-trans violence can be found here, from Human Rights Campaign: https://lnkd.in/gThhtCRp #TDOR #Transdayofremembrance #transgenderawarenessweek #transgenderdayofremembrance

Day 16 of #16daysofactivism🎊🎉 is today, 10th of December which is also The Human Rights Day. As we commemorate this day, we cannot fail to highlight that #GBV is a gross violation of human #rights and #freedoms. According to the United Nations, 1.3 #billion #survivors of sexual violence exist today in the world. 1 in 3 #women will experience abuse in their lifetime.This makes #GBV one of the most systemic and widespread #human #rights #violations of our time. Call📢 The fight against #GBV continues even after #16days of activism is over. This is how you can continue supporting #women and #girls and #survivors of violence to stay safe and free of violence. 1. Listen to survivors. 2. Share their stories. 3. Talk about consent. 4. Involve #boys and #men on the #GBV conversations. 5. Break the silence on taboo topics such as GBV and #child #marriage. 6. Include people living with disabilities in advocacy, policies, messaging, and conversations. 7. Believe survivors. 8. Make reporting easy. 9.Teach #boys from a young age to #respect #girls and to become men who stand against rape culture and violence against women and girls. 10. Realize no action you take is small enough. 11. Do not hide #GBV cases, #GBV is a crime and crimes should not be hidden. 12. Do not make excuses for perpetrators. Nobody ever asks what ‘he’ was wearing. 13. Do not blame the victim. 14. Think holistically. Involve health actors, policy makers, civil society, and all relevant actors. #GBV is a cross cutting issue to leave no one behind, everyone should be brought on board. 15. Read a lot. Share facts, figures, and stories with your networks on #GBV. 16. Share creative and simple ways for GBV action. UN Women #Day16of16daysofactivism #endgbv #noexcuseforviolence #continuewithactivism #humanrights75

🚨 CONTENT WARNING 🚨 "I never had the opportunity to have conversations about boundaries and consent. In all aspects of the relationship, not just intimacy. I never learnt that it is okay and necessary to talk about what I wanted before, during and after sex. I don’t blame myself anymore, and I don’t berate myself for thinking I should have known better. I understand now, if the other partner does not show respect, it’s okay to leave the relationship. Sexual assault and rape should never be reduced to just a lack of communication and confusion." - Brianna, 22 VIC This message resonates deeply during #16DaysofActivism, a global call to action against gender-based violence. #16DaysofActivism is more than a campaign; it's a collective effort to challenge the pervasive human rights violation faced by women and girls worldwide. It serves as a poignant reminder that violence takes many forms, and it is our duty to break the silence and stand up against it. There is #NoExcuse for gender-based violence. Let's raise our voices, amplify survivors' stories, and work together to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate this injustice. It's time to create a world where safety and equality prevail. 💪🌍✊ #NoExcuse #EndGBV #humanrights Read the full article here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g4HTCFCd

Sexism and misogyny are insidious forms of discrimination that perpetuate inequality, harm individuals, and undermine the fabric of society. Sexism refers to the belief that one gender is superior to another and the discrimination or prejudice that arises from this belief. Misogyny, on the other hand, specifically targets and devalues women and girls, often rooted in a deep-seated hatred or contempt for them. While they are related, they manifest in different ways and operate at both individual and systemic levels. Both sexism and misogyny have far-reaching consequences and contribute to gender inequality, limit opportunities for women's advancement, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine women's autonomy and dignity. British Transport Police #sexism #discriminations #inequalities