Hello Sisters,
I know there is someone here who will feel my heart on this. I'm working on establishing High Calling for Women, Inc and one of the question I hear from the nay sayers is why start a non-profit now. Simply put;a calling! One of the goals of the High Calling organization is to raise awareness and help stop the cycle of sexual, especially among african american women. This horrible act effects many women of all races but studies support the belief that black women are less likely to report the incident to authorities and even to their families
Rather than seek the much needed help and support of others, we shut down believing that we are protecting our families and loved ones and even our race. But are we causing more harm than good? While speaking up does require courage, not telling can have more adverse effects. Consider the aftermath:
-the survivor is often left with feelings of guilt and shame
- the survivor often struggles with relationships later in life
-the perpetrator is still free and has opportunity to abuse more women of the same family as well as children of friends and neighbors.
-the perpetrator may have been a victim of abuse and speaking up may be an opportunity for that person to receive the help they need.
-the family of the survivor and perpetrator suffer because many of them feel the effects of what's occured but don't know the cause.
This is but a glimpse of the problems that can arise from one incident.
I know it is a tough decision to tell another that someone you probably trusted has violated you. There can be a fear of how others will look at you. There are thoughts of guilt because you may have to turn in a family member or friend. But should you keep silent? I closed my mouth when it happened to me and I endured my offender's acts for a year. It wasn't until I was in my 20's that I uttered anything about what had happen, but my life bore the scars. I want to save others from that.
I am blessed to speak at women's conferences and events but I began to notice something; no matter what the topic was, there was inevitably someone who would find me and say, " I need to talk to you." Countless women who kept this a secret and carried the hurt, in silence, for years needed someone to talk to about their experience. High Calling exists because of them.
I know of families where the molestor has violated up to 10 women-all because the first (years ago) chose to remain silent.
I know mothers and daughters who have both been molested but have never told each other.
I know how important it is to stop the cycle. Maybe you never told a soul but it's not to late to teach our sons and daughters what to watch for and let them know that they can tell it! Silence has not worked for us. Maybe it's time to talk about it?
I appreciate the prayer and support from each of you who believe this is a worthy task.
Feel free to visit the site:www.highcallingforwomen.com or the nework at www.highcallingforwomen.ning,com
In His Love,
Evg P.
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