We live in a world that has set definitions for everything. However, the problem comes when the definitions overlap and overlapping definitions are problematic because confusion arises… Read more “I still miss my aborted child despite the abusive relationship”
Top tweets from #TheTotalShutdown Intersectional march against GBV
Women all over South Africa are channelling their inner Lillian Ngoyi and Mam’Winnie today as we don our red and black and take to the streets against… Read more “Top tweets from #TheTotalShutdown Intersectional march against GBV”
He raped me for seven years and blamed me
I was a mere five years old when my stepfather first came into my room in the dead of night. He whispered my name and when I… Read more “He raped me for seven years and blamed me”
Support service developed to aid sexual assault survivors
A rape survivors’ support service has been developed by Health-e News. It is a USSD service and online map that provides a directory of all Thuthuzela Care… Read more “Support service developed to aid sexual assault survivors”
The danger in playing down sexual assault is all too real
The world does many things to protect patriarchy and gender norms. One of them is to shift responsibility away from male perpetrators of violence to their victims in order… Read more “The danger in playing down sexual assault is all too real”
The demons of rape just never go away, do they?
One day in April 1997, a demon that had been chasing me finally caught up. It wasn’t shadowed and cloaked. Instead, it was open, smiling, and full… Read more “The demons of rape just never go away, do they?”
‘I am not a better person as a result of having been raped’
I hate it when people call me “brave” for surviving being raped. It’s been seven years since he took me to his dorm and after my saying… Read more “‘I am not a better person as a result of having been raped’”
If you’re thinking about suicide, read this first
Dear suicidal person, If you are reading this, it means you’re having doubts about suicide. So thank you. I may not know you or whether this will… Read more “If you’re thinking about suicide, read this first”
Strong, independent, educated – and abused
The most recent social media hashtag party invited all and sundry to #SaveMelania. … Yes, the new First Lady of the US. That Melania. Even the most… Read more “Strong, independent, educated – and abused”
What people don’t tell you about the aftermath of sexual trauma
There are many difficulties one goes through after a traumatic event. We hear all about these; the stages of grief, decisions of whether to tell family, friends,… Read more “What people don’t tell you about the aftermath of sexual trauma”