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Raising Voices: “this was just before the Rape”
Building Awareness: Protecting Young Girls from Danger and Empowering Them to Speak Up
This article was inspired by the Series pictured above. I recommend watching it to parents and teens alike.
In a world where young girls often face hidden dangers, raising awareness about the risks they encounter and empowering them to protect themselves is crucial. Many girls, driven by naivete, recklessness, and a lack of awareness, fall into traps that lead to devastating experiences like rape. These traumatic incidents are often shrouded in silence due to feelings of shame and self-blame. In many cases, victims experience PTSD, vulnerability to addiction and promiscuity. In extreme cases, even suicide.
To combat this, we must teach young girls to trust their instincts, assert their boundaries, and understand that it is always okay to say no. The Netflix series “Raising Voices” is a great resource for parents and teens, shedding light on these issues.
The Naivete and Risks Young Girls Face
Young girls often navigate the world with a sense of invincibility, unaware of the dangers lurking around them. Their innocence and trust can make them easy targets for predators who exploit their vulnerability. Engaging in risky behaviours, such as posting what they perceive to be fun images on Social Media, without considering the potential consequences can lead to situations where they are taken advantage of or harmed.
The Silence of Shame and Blame
When young girls experience sexual assault or coercion, they often retreat into silence, burdened by feelings of shame and self-blame. They may believe that their actions somehow caused the assault, or fear that they will not be believed if they speak out. This culture of silence perpetuates their suffering and prevents them from seeking the help and support they need.
The Importance of Trusting Instincts and Setting Boundaries
Empowering young girls to trust their instincts and set clear boundaries is essential. They need to understand that if a situation feels wrong, it likely…