THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON PHYSICAL HEALTH. Day 15. "I walked aimlessly last night trying to figure out what I was feeling and I couldn’t. My gut was in severe discomfort, unable to decide if I should be constipated or be experiencing diarrhea. I couldn’t calm the noise it…

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY — Supporting Women’s Rights. Day 14. (16/16). “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. Article 1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Everyone is…

THINGS YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO SAY TO A SURVIVOR. Day 13. (15/16). We're going to be wrapping up the #16daysofactivism soon and I thought to share a few things survivors shouldn't have to hear from others. It's not an end to activism against gender-based violence in general as the fight…

Understanding Children Can’t Consent. Day 12. (14/16). We sexualize children a lot and steal pieces of their childhood away. I was an early bloomer, or whatever they call it and I suffered dearly for it. When I was almost 8, I had tiny pointy breasts that made me embarrassed. When…

Sexual Consent. Day 11. (12/16). Sexual consent means agreeing to a sexual activity voluntarily. In this instance, both parties are aware of what they want and make an informed choice to go forward with it. This tells you there's no sure thing as implied consent either by previous consent in…

On a Reflective Need to Prevent Violence. Day 10. (11/16). The death of Sylvester Oromoni is not a secret anymore in Nigeria. He was a 12-year-old student of Dowen College in Lagos state who died as a result of injuries sustained from bullying and physical abuse by his seniors. Everything…

UNDERSTANDING CONSENT. Day 9. (10/16). "So many of us didn't know we could give and withdraw consent. We weren't taught Our abusers knew of this power and kept it a secret from us We bore the burden on our backs. It weighed heavily on us until our posture changed. …

TRAUMA RESPONSES: ON F.I.G.H.T. Day 8. (9/16). Last year on the 13th of June, 2020, my abuser came to the house to visit. It was a norm for him to walk in whenever he wanted without fear to see my parents, to pray with them, to have conversations about life…

TRAUMA RESPONSES: ON F.L.I.G.H.T. Day 7. Pt. 2 (8/16). I'm usually between fawning and freezing. When I started this blog, part of me wanted to use writing to remember what happened to me as a child. You see, I barely remember my childhood and often it feels like my life…