Today, I listened to our local news give a report on a 35 yr old man living in Canada who tried to lure a 13 yr old girl for sex. Over the past couple of week, I’ve listened to reports of sexual assault and the number of rape kits still untested in our city. I won’t even start on the multiple murders and abuse cases reported related to domestic violence over the past month. Housing for victims of abuse is extremely limited and the criteria, in many cases, doesn’t fit the clients that need a place to stay. Lately, those serving the community in a professional capacity are the ones being arrested. By professional, I mean police officers, attorneys and public officials. I know our city isn’t alone in much of this. But, Memphis is the city I live in, and therefore, I feel I must continue to push here and work as best as I know how to spread awareness and challenge action. I’m talking tangible action. I’m talking accountable action.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. I encourage everyone reading this to please take a look at this link for additional information about sexual assault, rape, etc: https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-assault
I want to encourage the following:
Have a conversation with your tweens/teens about sex, good touches, bad touches and social media. If you feel you need to look through their phones and computers-DO IT! It’s not about their privacy. It’s about their safety. What they feel is harmless or meaningless is oftentimes the very things that predators are looking for. Make sure you’re spending quality time with your tweens/teens. Listen to them. What you don’t want is for them to feel they must look for love and affection from a stranger.
If you have been sexually assaulted, report it. Get counseling. Seek justice. Your voice and your feelings matter! Don’t let anyone make you believe anything different. Silence is what the perpetrator is relying on. If you’re a family member or friend, be supportive. Believe the person who’s been assaulted. Do not judge or offer your ‘what I would have done’ attitude because you really can’t say for sure what action you may have taken, and honestly, it’s not what a victim nor survivor needs to hear.
Get involved-PLEASE. See something-say something. Write letters to your local and state officials. When it’s time to vote, see where politicians stand on the issues that matter to you. Vote them in OR OUT! Volunteer your time to support groups as a peer mentor. Receive certifications from places like the local Memphis Child Advocacy Center or National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA).
This weekend, I received the 2017 Crime Victim Advocate of the Year award. I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award. On April 10th, I celebrated 7 years of speaking about my abuse for the 1st time in a public setting. So, to receive such an award at this stage of my life is a personal and professional joy.
My life has definitely had it’s share of peaks and valleys. It has been an honor to serve my community. When I spoke about my abuse for the first time, I didn’t plan on doing it again. At the time, I really just wanted to speak my truth in a setting I felt would help the attendees to talk with their children. The conference for which I chose to share was not a domestic violence conference. In fact, it was for teen girls to learn about topics related to careers, self esteem and etiquette. I chose to talk about domestic violence with the parents because adults who deal with the aftermath of abuse have often seen it or experienced it as a young child or teen. I felt it was important to have the parents think about having a conversation with their children about abuse. Acting out, being an introvert, suicidal thoughts, etc could be the result of an underlying problem with abuse.
From the moment I spoke about my life, I made friends that I still have today. I ran in the 5K Sexual Assault Race this weekend with one of them. I’m the Executive Director of Walking Into A New Life, Inc. I continue to speak and present locally and nationally about personal development, overcoming adversities and becoming self sufficient. I’m committed to help others to not see themselves as victims but as survivors. Victimization is a crime. I want to always be found being a voice for those who can’t or aren’t able to speak until they have the courage and opportunity to speak for themselves.
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! I’ve been selected as a finalist for the upcoming #IALAwards to be held in Baltimore, MD on Saturday, June 24, 2017. Learn more about this groundbreaking event at www.IndieAuthorLegacyAwards.com
This honor is HUGE for me. I view my experiences as lessons. It has always been my hope to help others to restore their lives holistically. My life has transitioned in a tremendously positive way. And, I’ve been able to speak, teach and train locally and nationally because of it. I want to always be found being a servant leader, and it’s an honor to have others notice my efforts in a way worthy of acknowledgment. If you’re in the Baltimore, MD area in June (or will be in the area), it would be great to see you at the event.
As Executive Director of Walking Into A New Life, Inc., it is extremely important to me that we continue to find ways to share tangible resources with victims and survivors of domestic violence. Our latest campaign involves something that everyone can participate in and doesn’t cost anything to do so. We’re asking everyone to help us collect old cellphones to help those in need to have safe and effective communication.
Verizon Wireless has a Hopeline program which collects old cellphones and accessories. The phones are reprogrammed and given to victims and survivors of abuse. Many times, those who are dealing with abuse are isolated from family and friends. They are connected to cellphone plans owned by their abuser. Their phones are monitored by the abuser. This keeps those who are being victimized from communicating freely. Providing them with cellphones provides them with safe communication and independence.
During the month of April, we will be assisting in this campaign. It doesn’t matter how old the phone is or if it’s broken. The style or brand doesn’t matter either. We just need the phones. If you want to help, it doesn’t matter where you are. You CAN help. Just ask how. Email us here: info@wianl.org.
I’m excited to have been asked to participate in the Devotional Series created by Megan Mottley. Megan is the visionary and CEO of The Glamour Girl Movement. The GGM is teaching women the benefits of getting the Ultimate Makeover. The mission is to disciple women and teach women how to disciple others.
Because of my experience and transparency regarding issues surrounding domestic violence, I was asked if I’d be interested in sharing my insights by way of monthly devotionals. There are eleven other amazing women who are contributing writers. Each of them speak in their respective areas of expertise. I am honored to have been asked. It was my pleasure to say yes! My specific devotional is featured today. Please be sure to take a read. I hope you’ll find it helpful. You can always review all of the devotionals by viewing the blog tab on the site. http://theglamourgirlmovement.com/devotions/moving-on-after-the-storm
