Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2019 | Page 108

others reclaim theirs, just as we’d love to have them join us in spreading the message of hope that though CSA has debilitating effects, it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. About current projects GLOWpower! This is an annual retreat, currently for girls who have been sexually abused. It is an intensive multi- disciplinary retreat where we retool survivors, giving them the resources to heal. From yoga to journaling to practical ways to change the internal dialogue, GLOWpower (Girls Lighting Our World) calls on primarily female survivors who have transcended victimhood to become mentors and role models, helping to paint a picture of hope and triumph for girls fresh on the other side of abuse. About advice for those who are being abused but are afraid to speak out Sexual abuse is an incredibly isolating thing where you feel like you’re the only one in the world. Sadly, it is all too common but that it is of little consolation when you’re being abused. My advice to anyone suffering is to find someone in whom you can confide. I realize how incredibly difficult it can be but really strongly encourage them to find that one person with whom they can have a candid conversation. Thankfully now there are a number of online support groups, a lot of which appreciate anonymity while providing a safe space for sharing experiences. Please know that the sooner you speak up, the sooner the abuse can end, the sooner healing can start. It might not feel like it in the midst of abuse, but everything passes, even the evils of sexual violation, and with proper care and self-care, healing is possible. Sexual abuse is a universal plague that does not discriminate. It knows no bounds but unless we focus on our community, on our island, on our districts, we will never find meaningful and sustainable prevention of sexual abuse. We must continue to encourage perpetrator shaming - not victim blaming. We need financial support, and perhaps just as important, we need people to be mentors, role models and support. For those who have reclaimed their voice, we would love to have them join us in helping others reclaim theirs . . . ~ Julie Mansfield E: [email protected] W: www.givemedignity.org W: www.GLOWpower.org MaybeGodWasBusy GiveMeDignity