Abuse, Assault, and Rape Crisis Information
I urge you to CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! Reporting rape and assault as soon as possible increases the chances of catching and successfully prosecuting your attacker! In this country alone, it is estimated that almost half of the female children will be molested or otherwise sexually assaulted by their 18th birthday- most before they are 15, and many of those between the ages of 8 and 13. Additionally, one-quarter of the adult women will be a victim of some form of sexual assault at some point in their adult lives. Many men are now coming forward and disclosing assault. Yes, it really happens- every two minutes, according to U.S. statistics. Often these people are aware of the identity of their attackers yet decline to report the incident, fearing blame, judgement, retribution or suspicion on themselves. Some will not even acknowledge or recall the events consciously.
If a child ever comes to you and confides to you that they have been molested, please give them the benefit of the doubt. If you suspect your child is being or has been molested, seek professional guidance. Above all, do not blame the child.
Rape is about control and power and violence. It is not about sex.
In
the time it took you to read this page, another life was shattered.
***Indigo's
Peer Journal Exercises
@@@Helping Your Loved One to Heal
Other
Places on The Web
State
Coalitions on Domestic Violence
The Rape, Incest, and Abuse National Network: Unlock the Silence
101
Ways to Reduce Domestic Violence
National
Clearinghouse on Marital and Date Rape
Weaving
the Web of Survivorship
© Copyright Indigo 1998, 1999,
2000, 2001
Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman. A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories. Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.
Imagine a woman who believes she is good. A woman who trusts and respects herself. Who listens to her needs and desires, and meets them with tenderness and grace.
Imagine a woman who has acknowledged the past's influence on the present. A woman who has walked through her past. Who has healed into the present.
Imagine a woman who authors her own life. A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf. Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and to her wisest voice.
Imagine a woman who names her own gods. A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness. Who designs her own spirituality and allows it to inform her daily life.
Imagine a woman in love with her own body. A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is. Who celebrates her body and its rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.
Imagine a woman who honors the face of God/the Goddess in her changing face. A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom. Who refuses to use precious energy disguising the changes in her body and life.
Imagine a woman who values the women in her life. A woman who sits in circles of women. Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.
IMAGINE YOURSELF AS THIS WOMAN.