Sexual abuse Archives - Page 8 of 12 - Canadian Women's Foundation

Safe Passage: A Girl’s Journey Through Adolescence

Safe Passage: A Girl’s Journey Through Adolescence

Diane Hill2017-12-19T17:11:09+00:00March 22, 2016|Empowering girls, Gender-based violence, Sexual abuse, SHE Magazine|

In an office building not far from the bleak industrial wharves in the northern Ontario town of Thunder Bay, social worker Karen Slomke is clicking through a curious set of Powerpoint slides.

Her audience sees photos of zebras being chased by lions, cartoon illustrations of the human brain, and lots of flowcharts with coloured arrows. Though some of her slides are lighthearted, most are deadly serious. This presentation is designed to save lives.

Karen works for Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and her audience is primarily Aboriginal girls in their early teens. All have experienced physical or sexual abuse, or both. Karen recently worked with Sherry, a young teen who has been sexually assaulted four different times by four different adult men. The first assault happened when she was 12.

Say it louder: No one ever deserves violence

Say it louder: No one ever deserves violence

Keetha Mercer2017-12-19T17:12:49+00:00March 3, 2016|Gender-based violence, Sexual abuse|

This article was originally published on the Huffington Post.

Chances are you know someone who has experienced gender-based violence (GBV). 67% of all Canadians say they personally know at least one woman who has been sexually or physically assaulted - and that’s just those that have been told. Stigma and fear of not being believed are real concerns of survivors and many women avoid telling people close to them because they don’t think they will be supported.

The positive effects of having supportive people around when someone decides to share their experiences cannot be underestimated. Not only does it open up the possibility of sharing at all, it encourages survivors to seek counselling and other supports, reducing levels of depression, anxiety and PTSD, and lessening the likelihood of experiencing abuse again. If someone chooses to disclose to you, the best thing you can do is believe them, avoid judgement, put their needs first, and understand that everyone reacts differently to trauma.

Adding My Voice as a Survivor of Abuse

Adding My Voice as a Survivor of Abuse

Ingrid Walter2017-12-19T17:22:00+00:00January 19, 2016|Gender-based violence, Guest bloggers, Sexual abuse|

I once lived with a man who when enraged would punch and kick me. I was once drugged and sexually assaulted by a man I thought I knew. Both violent experiences left me with physical and emotional scars.

I never dreamed I would get involved with men who would eventually abuse me. I worked hard, I held high profile positions, I was an on air journalist and a newspaper columnist who expressed my opinions openly and freely in any forum, male-dominated or not.

Day 16: Freedom from Gender-based Violence is a Human Right

Day 16: Freedom from Gender-based Violence is a Human Right

Anqi Shen2017-12-19T17:23:59+00:00December 10, 2015|Gender-based violence, Sexual abuse|

We hear about it every week in the news. We have a sister, female colleague or friend who has experienced it. We hope the next generation won’t have to.

“It” is gender-based violence. On December 10, Human Rights Day, we are reminded that the right to live free of gender-based violence is a human right that is yet to be secure in any country.

Established by the United Nations in 1950, Human Rights Day is recognized by organizations and governments around the world, and it comes at the end of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence.

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