06/19/2020
In the past few days, many people within our own Somali community shared their survival stories of sexual violence. Sexual violence includes r**e, child sexual abuse and intimate partner sexual violence. For many of these courageous young individuals, the abuse started at an early age, in spaces that were supposed to provide safety and at the hands of people they trusted.
Ceeb (shame) culture has been deeply embedded in our community and has silenced these survivors from sharing their stories sooner, and continues to prevent many others from coming forward.
Ceeb culture has prevented predators from facing justice and unfortunately placed the blame on the survivor. This needs to change. We need to change as a community. We collectively need to hold these individuals accountable and hold the institutions that protect them accountable.
TO ALL THE SURVIVORS:
We hear you, we stand by you, and we will NOT silence you. This past week has been emotionally traumatic, take care of you right now. Continue your healing & love yourself. You are worthy of ALL that is good. It’s okay if you have bad days and it’s okay if you need additional support at this time. Please connect with professionals that can help you work through what you are feeling. InshaAllah may you find peace on your journey of healing.
No means NO. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Someone does not only need to say NO to withhold consent. There are a lot of other ways someone can indicate they DO NOT consent such as lack of reciprocation and body language. Someone CANNOT consent if they are incapacitated. Someone CANNOT consent if they are underage. Someone CANNOT consent if they are asleep. Someone CANNOT consent if they cannot make an informed decision.
Per RAINN (rainn.org) the following are signs of sexual violence:
Young Children:
-Physical signs of trauma
-Unexplained bruising or bleeding
-Not wanting to be left alone or certain people
-Excessive worry or fearfulness
-Sexual behaviors that are inappropriate for child’s age
-Bedwetting or soiling the bed
-Resuming Behaviors they have outgrown, i.e thumbsucking
Teenagers & Young Adults:
-Unhealthy eating patterns like loss of appetite or excessive eating
-Signs of physical abuse such as bruises
-Changes in self care, such as paying less attention to hygiene, appearance then they usually do
-Self harming behavior
-Drinking or drug use
-Thoughts about su***de or su***de behavior
-Depression, anxiety or excessive worrying
-Avoiding specific situations or places
If you or someone you know needs help due to sexual violence or abuse, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline to talk to a trained staff member in your local area:
PHONE #: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
ONLINE CHAT: https://hotline.rainn.org/online
For more information about resources available for you or your loved ones (including laws and statutes of limitations in your state, please visit: https://www.rainn.org/about-sexual-assault
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