It’s Time to Stand-Up and Speak-Out

By: Kristen Pettaway, MA LPC Liberty University | Clinical Case Manager Intern Destination Greatness, PLLC

Serious business!  There has been an enormous amount of conversation lately about sexual harassment and sexual violence.  Many of the violators have gotten away with this behavior for years.  It has now come to light as many public figures have decided to take a stand and speak out against harassment in the workplace.  I just want to take this opportunity to shine some light on what happens to the individual who may not have a voice to stand-up and speak-out against their perpetrator.

Statistics reveal that the highest rates of victimized children are from the African American community.  The effects from such maltreatment can lead to both short-term and long-term consequences on the individual’s mental health.  History of sexual violence and sexual misconduct against African American women in their childhood and adolescence may result in depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts even successful completion of suicide.

This type of behavior should not be tolerated and should not be acceptable in our workplaces nor in our communities.  We must give a voice to the voiceless who continue to struggle through situations that cause them physical and mental harm.  This is a call to action to stand-up and speak-out against sexual predator behavior, sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual violations and sexual misconduct of any kind.

The minds of our young women are at state!

Destination Greatness is a mental health and substance abuse psychotherapy agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families in maximizing their level of functioning on all life domains in pursuit of Greatness. Destination Greatness provides individuals and families with the opportunity to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Destination Greatness strives to enrich each individual and family through greater self-awareness, focus on strengths, and belief in a greater destiny.

http://www.destinationgreatnesspllc.org

 

Reference

Vinson, E. S., & Oser, C. B. (2016). Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation in African American women with a history of sexual violence as a minor. Violence Against Women, 22(14), 1770–1787. doi:10.1177/1077801216632614