I know, I tend to pick controversial topics. I speak about these topics because they are not spoken about enough. Rape. Sexual assault. Chronic Illness. Mental Health.
Rape. Sexual assault. Chronic Illness. Mental Health. Grace.
I believe that preventative care has a higher success rate than reactive care. Rather than responding to something that has happened, we train others to act in ways that prevent harm to oneself or another person. We are educating on risk factors. We inform of helpful resources.
As a female college student living on campus, as well as being a Counseling major who has taken some Criminal Justice classes, looking at how to protect others is important to me. Preventative care has been proven to be more effective than reactive care. This means that we provide people with education about different topics. We have crime statistics in easy to find locations. And we teach younger generations to speak kindly of and be protectors of others.
And most importantly, we are holding each accountable to how they treat the people around them.
I read an article awhile back that was titled, “Why Don’t We Teach Men Not To Spike Drinks, Instead Of Teaching Women To Watch Theirs?” It definitely made me think.
Why do people (especially women) have to worry about being drugged and date raped?
Why do we have to feel terrified of our sons getting molested by priests, coaches, or Boy Scout leaders?
How can people justify their lack of action by saying, “she just wants attention”, and “boys will be boys”?
Do Something. Prevent Rape.
Rather than focusing our efforts on what people have done and what terrible things to look out for, we need to focus on addressing the root of the problem.
Teenagers and young adults, friends don’t let friends take advantage of other people. If you hear someone else objectifying a person (male or female), call them out. People are so much more than their looks. Personality, feelings, passions, hopes, strengths, and dreams are just a few of those. Even when it is hard, keep your friends accountable. Remind them to keep an eye out for situations that might tempt them to push the line. Tell your friends to stop drinking when they have reached or surpassed their limits.
Parents, teach your children what healthy boundaries are. Remind them that they can come to you if they are ever uncomfortable with a person or action. Also, lead by example. Everything that was said above also applies to you.
Teachers, coaches, extracurricular activity leaders- do not bully. Do not let other adults or children bully or be the victim of a bully. Create a healthy environment for the people around you.
Do not play into the hands of those that say the victim should receive the blame. Sometimes both parties are to blame. Other times, just one side should receive the blame.
Give people the benefit of the doubt. Treat issuses with preventative care. Love those who are hurting.
This is a new series. Read the first post here.
