So a few times lately I’ve seen comments and posts about the validity of all the different Awareness of this and Prevention of that days, weeks or months…
… is it needed? Does it matter? Is it only preaching to the choir to post these things here? Does it make a difference?
I will answer to all of the above: YES and NO!
April, as I’ve already posted about a few times now, is Child Abuse Prevention Month AND Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is sad that these issues need months set aside to talk about them but I’m glad for whatever light can be shone. I personally think these are issues that we should talk about all the time…until they no longer exist. Violence against women and children haven’t gone anywhere. Ageism, Sexism, and all the other isms haven’t gone anywhere. So yes we still need to talk about them.
Truthfully, talk alone isn’t enough. Each of us needs to take action as well.
I shouldn’t have to tell anyone that they shouldn’t hurt other people, right? No child should ever be abused, right? Yet, look around.
Women and children are beaten everyday. Yes, men are abused as well and that is not ok either. It is just that the majority of the time abuse is directed at women and children, STILL, and that pisses me off. It should piss you off too!
Rape is not a thing of the past. It also often isn’t a stranger but someone the victim know and should be able to trust. We shouldn’t have to tell anyone that No does not mean yes…that consent is ABSOLUTELY necessary. That victim blaming is not acceptable and it doesn’t matter what someone is wearing!
It goes beyond that of course… not only should you not hurt people (yourself or others) or participate with those who do, you also shouldn’t be a silent bystander.
If you cannot get personally involved (and sometimes you shouldn’t)…at the very least say something to those who can.
IF, you know someone who is being abused, speak up.
Remember, the smallest action on your part could make a life and death difference.
IF, you know someone who is an abuser, speak up.
One of the ways we can make a difference is by not accepting this behavior. We have to let the perpetrators know this is not ok.
When friends and family turn a blind eye this makes both the abuser and the abused feel that what is happening is acceptable. Break the cycle. Educate yourself and please educate your children.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” -Edmund Burke
~Melanie Thomason
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