Fighting Sexual Violence & Abuse…

On April 8, President Obama proclaimed April 2009 as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (NSAAM). The first observance of SAAM occurred in 2001, and now, each April the National Sexual Violence Resource Center(NSVRC) promotes national unity and collective activism among advocacy groups on issues of sexual violence throughout the month, with focuses ranging from prevention to survivor recovery.

The 2009 campaign focuses on Workplace Sexual Violence with its theme of Prevent Sexual Violence… in our workplace and its slogan, Respect Works.

NSVRC reports that, “while working or on duty, U.S. employees experienced 36,500 rapes and sexual assaults from 1993 to 1999. This excludes the more than 12,000 annual reported acts of sexual harassment at work.”

As women who seek to empower other women, we become increasingly aware of how pervasive sexual violence is in our culture… not just in emerging countries but here in the US as well, and these are only the ones being reported.

Awareness of sexual violence and abuse is a critical first step to addressing and preventing this often covert problem…

Ø      At least one in every three women, or up to on billion women, have been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in their lifetimes (1999 Private Research Study)

Ø      Up to 47% of women report that their first sexual intercourse was forced (2002 WHO)

Ø      Up to 70% of female murder victims are killed by their male partners (2002 WHO)

Ø      In the USA a woman is battered, usually by her husband/partner, every 15  seconds (UN Study)

Ø      All physical/sexual abuse includes a psychological component

Ø      Women at-risk include those psychologically abused as well  physically damaged

Ø      Psychological damage can incapacitate almost as much, often
more than physical abuse

Ø      Physical abuse compounded with psychological abuse can be
totally debilitating – symptoms often manifest in themselves by decreasing self-worth and value.

As we become more aware, we then need to find ways to take action, even if only “baby steps,” to preventing abuse. Our “1000 Women” is partnering with organizations that that work victims/survivors of sexual violence and abuse, starting in Annapolis, MD.

We can make a difference! 

Comments

[Dr. Ron Gerughty]

Whatever we can do to eliminate sexual violence, especially against women, is a worthwhile endeavor. If we are to be successful, however, we must be aware that the root is the male sex paradigm and the Inversion of woman's sexuality. Until we can strike at the root, its insidious growth will continue its stranglehold on women worldwide. If you are interested, you can help us understand more of the evil by contributing your voice at www.esybron.org
Have a wonderful and happy weekend.