Well, here's the blog, kids.
In hopes that any and all who couldn't or didn't comment at the meetings, will be able to comment and make an impact in this conversation. In effect, the hope is that the conversation will continue online, and allow for more commentary.
From the meeting on Tuesday, January 20:
We talked about some of the purposes of the group:
- Hope is to become one: see through differences, unite for causes, make a difference
- Grow together
- Common Ground: support + chance to discuss
- Awareness: know your voice, see your potential
- Prevention
- Service Opportunities
- Activism: Against objectifying/maltreatment of women
Mantra:
WOMEN TALK WOMEN IS NOT RELIEF SOCIETY.
Not a group with rules, we are not bound by things or conclusion we come to or discuss
ONLY RULE - Acceptance, service and love
Aenon Johnson began talking about her experiences as a rape crisis advocate
Rape Crisis advocates answer hospital or rape crisis hotline calls, refer them to shelters, inform them of their options, accompany them to the hospital.
-190 rapes reported in 11 months - only 10%
How do the rape victims feel?
- Hate themselves
- Got what they deserved
- Done something to prevent it
- Self worth destroyed
- Mental and physical disorders
99% of rapes are acquaintances.
Careful about situations.
Majority could be prevented by being informed
- Don't teach rape or sex in school here in utah.
- Don't teach girls to fear it
Some things to do in situations where you could be raped:
- Pee or throw up on yourself
- self esteem/self worth
Teachers just need to be trained to talk about these things, Laws need to change
The road to recovery after Rape:
- Skewed perception of men
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - treating w/ ecstasy
- CVR form - state pays for medical psychological and monetary
- A lot do not get over it - most do
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Suggested Readings:
-World According to Garp by John Irving
