Hello Students Abroad Sexual Assault Resource Initiative Blog Readers,
As a child I feel it was engrained in me that you never injure a male in his privates and that tattling is bad. I can’t remember specifics at all, but I do know that my Grandma Baker was very animated, so I can’t help but try to remember her reactions.
When a person is sexually assaulted, they can’t especially control how they respond. I just wonder what the effect these messages had on me when it came to my rape while abroad.
I’ve told myself that if I ever have children of my own this is how I will handle these teachable moments. I would start by trying not to startle them with a loud reaction like shouting. I would also try to establish when it is okay and when it is not.
I am well aware that male genitals are very sensitive and susceptible to medical problems. I do, however, believe there is a time and place to exercise blunt force trauma to them.
I made a very valiant effort to try to stop my study abroad rape from happening, but I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if I would have debilitated him with a leg or fist to his genitals.
I waited roughly 8 years to report my study abroad rape to the authorities, to tattle per se. One of their main questions was “Why do you want to report now?” I stuttered out my main reason, but there were more after I had time to think.
I made sure to think this blog topic over for a night to make sure it was acceptable. I find it baffling how this topic came out of nowhere to me. This morning I decided that this blog post was brought to you by my angels.
Now how are you going to mold your youth to respond to sexual violence? I would love to hear your commentary on this blog post!
If you know of someone that might benefit from SASARI’s resources, let them know how to find us.
Facebook: facebook.com/sasarifrommn
Website: sasari.org
Kind Regards,
Callie
SASARI Founder
*Featured image was found here: https://www.babble.com/kid/9-ways-children-teach-us-about-love/
