The month of April signals the renewal of life after the harsh winter conditions have subsided. People's moods begin improving in harmony with the blooming of the daffodils. But for some, there is little to be hopeful about; the abuse remains a daily constant, infused with taunting glimmers of escape, which are quickly crushed by those in control of them.
Girls like Gracie (above) are rare - most kids don't "survive" child abuse - they endure it throughout their youth, and it's effect destroys their adult life. The saddest part of it is how many people witness abuse, yet do nothing to stop it. These are usually the same people who sing the blues about how "bad" the world has become, and the ones who are so quick to defend any threats to their personal "liberties."
Thankfully, there are growing groups of concerned human beings who spend hours upon hours of their unpaid, personal time to work towards creating a world without abuse. They take it personally when bystanders look the other way instead of intervening for a victim. We refuse to remain silent about those who live as prisoners in their own homes. Our goal is to trample "rape culture" with A Warriors' battle cry of "NO MORE!
Being a victims' rights advocate is the easiest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. It becomes a part of your daily routine, and social media conveniently sends the message to those who need to hear about it. In April, I have signed at least 15 petitions and sent over 20 letters to lawmakers for the following campaigns:
I have been blessed to meet a law professor who is fighting against revenge porn, the uncle of a woman who survived a murder/suicide, and a number of book authors. They don't care where I come from or what I can do for them, and neither do I. We work in harmony to influence sustainable change in a domineering patriarchal culture; one where power is bought, bartered for, and sold.