The Everyday Advocacy Work That Transforms Life
We can advocate for ourselves as people who have been victimized by sexual violence. It sounds like a far-fetched notion, but it’s true.
When we think of advocacy, we think of an act that is public and loud. But, not all advocacy work requires a person to carry a yell into bullhorn or have public displays that demand change. Some advocacy work is discreet and requires less emotional and physical labor. This is the type of advocacy work also drives meaningful change.
Examples of discreet advocacy are as follows:
Proactively learn about sexual violence and stay abreast of laws to be educated on terminology and evolving methodologies
Registering to vote and helping ensure that friends, family, co-workers, and members of the community are registered to vote and know how to research candidates. This will help ensure that votes go toward candidates that vote for a person’s total interest, not just a some.
Asking local doctors to implement trauma informed patient [visit] processes in their practices (e.g. doctor and nurse in the room during visits; communication with patient through out the exam about what will happen prior to the step being taken; giving patients more time to prepare for an exam; etc.) . This can go a long way to provide support for many survivors of sexual violence
Speaking with people (including children) about bodily agency, bodily autonomy, consent and consistently practicing each while engaging with them. This allows people to witness what they are and the benefit of each. They too may take up these practices and help create safer communities
Volunteer at and/or donate to local organizations that work to support survivors of sexual violence and end the crime
Seek and take advantage of available mental health resources to improve personal wellness and show up as a safe person in society
Sign up for blog posts and newsletter for advocacy organizations; subscribers help increase revenue that is used to further the work and provide free benefits to the survivorship community
Remove access to known sexual predators; safely and legally warn others about information and/or proof that has been shared about a reported unsafe person
Report witnessed or known instances of sexual violence, only if the harmed person is guaranteed safety
This list seems small and, possibly, limited in efficacy. But, instances of prevention and awareness can ultimately lead to large and consistent changes for the better.
Don’t ever think that any of us are too small or weak or unknown to create meaningful societal change. We can start in our own daily lives (home, work and community) to create a safer society. We just have to start.
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