White Ribbon Campaign

The University of Oklahoma is taking part in the White Ribbon Campaign. If you aren't sure what that is here is a video clip to let you know:



 

The White Ribbon Campaign is the world's largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. A White Ribbon is worn by men as a pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

 

If you're a guy and you believe in men and boys "working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity" and you also believe "that men are part of the solution and part... of a future that is safe and equitable for all people," then please share this photo for this week as part of the OU Women's Outreach Center's White Ribbon Campaign! You can visit http://www.whiteribbon.ca/who-we-are/ for more information!

 

I have to say way to go OU and the Women's Outreach Center.... Get involved!!!! 

Tragedy in 3 parts

After I finish posting about trying to find brightness in a world of dark I get told about a rape, bully, suicide story from California.

I have no words but I am sorry and prayers are for the family of Ms. Pott. For those that took part in this act, I pray for repentance and that the world can find forgiveness for you.

A young woman who has no fear wakes only to find she is living in a nightmare. How this is possible blows my mind. What is it that the world is teaching these young children it is okay to rape someone, post about it on line, and feel no guilt when they commit suicide.

I pray that my child boy or girl never goes through something so awful, and I pray they know that an act like this is wrong.

Lord please watch over our children and protect them. I pray that the family can use this as a means to speak out about bullying, rape, and suicide and raise awareness to the ever growing issue I so strongly speak out against.

If you wish to learn more about the story read here.

The Audrie Pott Foundation announced on Saturday it would hold a candlelight vigil at Saratago High School next Friday night.

Please talk to your children about these acts, teach them right from wrong...

Linger

I have let this blog linger for far too long.

Awaken the Silence is something I want to turn into a full website. How can I achieve this if I am falling behind on the blog?

I am not sure if I have ever expressed what I want this website to be.

Here is the general idea:

I want survivors to have a place to go where they can share their story and feel safe about it. A place that isn't full of statistics and numbers. I want it to be a place where they go for confidence. What happened to them is not a definition of who they are. It is an extension of them. Something that changes them and makes them who they are.

It is my belief, that with a positive place to go, you can turn the bad into good. Use the pain in a way to change the world. Use it as a weapon to prove you are strong and can not be broken.

I know that violence can turn you bitter, depressed, and mean. I also know it can change you for the better. That is if you choose to turn those emotions into light.

That is my goal. That is my destiny. I will achieve this. I pray daily God gives me the strength to carry on in this, that I am able to give men and women an outlet to shine.

Soon my fellow readers - very soon.

Survivors of Sexual Violence Group Meetings Avaliable

If you are in the Norman area and are in search of a survivors group you are in luck. The Women's Resource Center in Norman is starting a group for Survivors of Sexual Violence.

The group meets on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30. If you are interested in attending please contact Kristy at 701-5550 or e-mail Kristy at mom3jb@wrcweb.net. There is no cost for this group.

This is a great center and very helpful. Do not hesitate to call or email.

For more information you can Click Here for their Facebook page and Click Here for their Website.

Refusal

A friend of mine posted via Facebook about an article discussing refusal for emergency contraceptives for a rape victim.

Honestly a little speechless.

I understand religious beliefs and what not; but seriously deny someone that because you feel it is better to keep a child (if she was pregnant) of rape than allow them to erase the damage.

Granted - abortion is, in my mind, wrong. That is until a woman is raped...

However, I feel that if it is simply the semen they are getting rid of then by ALL means help the woman.

Also, I truly understand the thought of killing a baby is wrong, the thought of carrying a baby then giving it away is okay... etc. Yet, thinking of if I had got pregnant - what would I do?

I could not have carried the baby and 1. got rid of it 2. carried it happily. I know SINNER - but seriously every day you feel a baby that is half the rapists - ick. So, there is my opinion. Now Read This leave some comments and share!

RAINN 5K

If you have followed my personal blog; Sabrina's World you know I will be running the Warrior Dash. I was looking to see if there were any other races in Oklahoma that would relate to something close to my heart. I found one!

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) is hosting a 5K Sept 9, 2012. The RAINN Run 5K is something I feel needs more publicity. The things they do and those they help are simply worth while. I can not wait to sign up for this event. To stand proud in support of a network who means so much to me. Hope to see others signing up and helping with this.

5K is not hard. I just ran it in 38.3 minutes... if you know me you know that is highly unlikely for me to make it under an hour. Yet, with determination and a cause I know I can achieve a greater time. See you in September.

Feel free to pass this along!

New Beginnings

It's been since July 2011 since my last post. I apologize. I intend on getting back into the posts full force.

If you have any stories you feel need more focus on please feel free to comment and I will dig deep into the story and pull the facts.

I leave you with this insight - not all things are lost.