Sexual Assault Awareness Month

*TRIGGER WARNING*

It wouldn’t be right to let the month go by & start May without addressing something that’s not only significant but also necessary to speak about - Sexual Assault Awareness Month {April}.

It’s easier to turn a blind eye than to face the ugly & engage in these uncomfortable conversations. Taking a backseat is almost equivalent to refusing to learn. I’d say it is IMPERATIVE that as a society , a community or even just a world that we educate ourselves on this topic in every possible way that we can. Maybe this will help you navigate your way out of situations like such that can end up traumatic , aid someone in need & also assure you that you are not alone, you do not have to second guess yourself & yes this did happen to you.

I carry such a heavy weight on my shoulders wishing I could prevent every scenario I hear, educate every willing soul ( even those too egotistical to be taught or unwilling to learn) & be a helping hand to every victim. The brutal reality is that I can’t.

So what can I do?

1. Raise Awareness at every given opportunity

2. Be open to learning & understanding as well as being taught

3. Create spaces for people to talk & write outlets whilst being a listening ear

4. Represent & speak up for the unheard voices & uncommon stories

Unfortunately, we cannot control the actions of others , we can only be held accountable for our own. So with that being said, my silence is more harmful to the cause than my voice.

Last year, I worked closely on a project for composing an album of songs. One in particular resonated with me when composing the piece & is more than relevant now. The storytelling was heavily inspired by Ludacris & Mary J Blige - Runaway Love. As there is always room for growth, as an adaptation , I would add a male voice to the song/poem in order to create more representation. I hope it speaks to some of you or to all.

Maybe it’s for the one whose abuser is a familiar face in their life. Maybe it’s for the one who invalidates their story because they were too drunk to retell their account of what happened. Maybe it’s for the one who is unsure or for the one that’s certain but too frightened to speak. Maybe it’s for the one not brave enough yet to rid themselves of the company they keep, the very company that promotes behaviours that destroys lives & creates trauma. Maybe it’s for YOU. You who hides behind not knowing, hides behind naivety , refusing to learn in order dodge accountability but replicate the same behaviour in various lives.

If you feel heavily triggered, it’s okay to take a break. If you would like to share work on the topic, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you want to talk, I will lend an ear to listen🤍.