Freely in Hope

1 OUT OF 3 WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXUAL VIOLENCE. Because of the prevalence of sexual violence in our world, we must stop sexist commends, behavior, and policies that degrade, demean, and objectify the bodies of women. We must also surround survivors with support so that they can find healing and thrive. The #metoo movement has allowed women and girls to recognize that they are not alone. Even those who have not experienced sexual violence are willing to walk this journey wi...th you. WHAT IS SEXUAL VIOLENCE? Sexual violence is any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person or acts directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. This includes: -Penetration (rape) -Fondling and unwanted touch or advances -Catcalling and sexual comments -Being forced to perform sexual acts If you have experienced any form of sexual assault, it is important for you to know: 1. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. 2. YOUR CLOTHES HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. 3. WHERE YOU WERE DOES NOT PUT YOU AT FAULT. 4. JUST BECAUSE THEY’RE YOUR PARTNER DOESN’T JUSTIFY THE ASSAULT. 5. SEXUAL ASSAULT COULD HAPPEN WITH OR WITHOUT PENETRATION. Living with the knowledge that you have been sexually assaulted is difficult, but you are not alone. There are people who will walk with you through your healing process. When you begin to revisit those moments that you wish did not happen, or when the blame and shame come back, remember that the blame belongs to the perpetrator who hurt you. Continue reading here: https://www.freelyinhope.org/a-letter-to-survivors/

Things I wish you knew: TELLING MY STORY IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD HEALING. Too often, survivors have been told to remain silent to protect the perpetrator. Their stories aren’t believed, validated, or taken seriously. In addition to the incident of violence, survivors experience much shame and trauma because of our culture that questions what really happened. This is an unfortunate reality for survivors who deserve justice. As survivors gain the courage to tell their stori...es, they regain their innate power. Rather than being silenced by the perpetrator, they reclaim their voice by telling their story according to their experience. As an advocate listening to their stories, resist the urge to ask questions or to tell them to pray about it. Telling their story in a safe space is a critical process for their healing. #sexualabuseprevention #ssam #sexualassaultawarenessmonth #freelyinhope #holisticeducation #unitednations #kenya #zambia #survivorleadership #survivorleader #nonprofitorganization #nonprofit #socialjustice #endingsexualviolence #fundraiser #sexualviolenceawarenessmonth #solidarity #sexualassault #survivor #rapeculture #consent #feminism #believesurvivors #awareness #feminist #metoomovement #womenempowerment #nomeansno #metoo See more