Face your Fears

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Thursday, August 26 2010 20:36 Written by Gwen

I recently attended an event for Chicago Non Profits the speaker, Tom Tuohy of the Dream for Kids organization discussed how a disabled individual commented on being ignored at by a woman who lived in the same building. As I listened to this story it occurred to me how many for us look away, ignore, or glaze over so many social issues in the world one being sexual violence. As women we tend to say that won't, and will never be me. While men say it's a woman's issue nothing to do with me, and I would never do that. This concept of avoidance of a discussion of sexual violence only further creates the cycle of silence. Marie Claire's September Issue has an article that discusses the untested rape kits epidemic that has been facing the country. As one of the 28 women featured in the picture for the rape kit awareness campaign I was honored to be photographed and a part of such amazing piece that shares such courage. It can be difficult to share one's story to the mass public, yet it can provoke the thoughts necessary to change our beliefs about violence. Violent crimes can occur anywhere, anytime, and to anyone yet we are rarely exposed to the faces of the survivors. These faces are often hidden; names are shielded for privacy only to further allow the silence to continue. This experience has taught me to speak up for the truth even if it is painful to say it can spark a movement. As we enter the new school year I challenge all of you school officials, counselors, professors, and especially students who are heart and soul of the college to speak up against what is going on in your world. In order to conquer one's fear one has to acknowledge the fear and then break through it.

http://womensmediacenter.com/blog/2010/08/neglected-rape-kits-getting-second-life-in-mainstream-media/

Birthday Wishes

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Sunday, July 18 2010 21:04 Written by Gwen

Change can be very frightening experience yet it is necessary we stay focused on our goals. As the summer progresses it allows all of us to organize and prepare for the fall and New Year. My experience of being a part of Leila Grace has allowed me to meet and speak with amazing individuals. Yet, as with all things change is necessary to bring growth and new life. As my birthday approaches I start to reflect and plan for the future of Leila Grace as well as my own aspirations. Birthdays are naturally a time of wishes full of hope. My hope this year in all the chaos of the world that love can be shown to those who may not see an end to the tragedy that is bestowed upon them. Love is an emotion/ behavior that will allow respect for another being. It allows one to be their true self without judgments and open to connecting with others. As another year passes we must remember that we are not alone on this journey called life. At times the world can seem cold and distant, yet when you least expect life brings you a pleasant surprise filled with love and kindness. My birthday wish this year is that everyone who is experiencing loneliness, heartache, and physical, emotional, and mental pain is shown love. If you know someone who is experiencing any mental/or physical illness from trauma please let them know they are not alone and help is available. Contact your local rape crisis center or RAINN hotline 1.800.656.HOPE for more information.

The Compassionate Being

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Thursday, June 24 2010 09:55 Written by Gwen

As the summer gives way to barbecues, lazy days at the beach, and various sporting events it can difficult to realize that violence doesn't take a vacation. In times of reoccurring violent crimes it can be easy to lose hope. I recently gave a presentation on rape culture at Dominican University along with completing a photo shoot with two models one male and female. We are hoping to use the photos to inspire both young men and young women to voice their opinions on the issue of sexual violence. While the media has created a sense of how individuals of both gender are suppose to act. It is up to the individual to decide what they believe in and ultimately how to act in society. People often blame the environment whether it is athletic teams, fraternities or sororities, even bars/ clubs. I once had a parent that suggested keeping all young women inside their homes at night as a solution to reduce crime. Obviously this is not the solution to stopping violence on our college campuses or anywhere. An environment doesn't create rape culture it is the individuals in that environment who make a choice to act in a harmful manner with no compassion for another's life. Prevention is needed to ensure that all individuals of every type of background are able to receive information to make responsible choices. It is needed to understand the devastating effects a victim has to go through in order to regain their lives back. In order to be truly educated one must be aware of all their actions and the consequences of those actions. It is only when we are compassionate for one another that we can eradicate violence.

The Vision of Hope

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Monday, June 07 2010 20:27 Written by Gwen

In such times of chaos and crisis where it seems all hope is lost. We often wonder about the future. In order to envision our utopia we have to examine our past. Two years ago I had a dream about my grandfather who died months before my birth. In the dream he was in heaven surrounded by artists this was no surprise since he was a writer and a businessman. I asked him are you proud of me he smiled and tipped his hat. This dream inspired me to find answers about my own family history and I found generations of educated ancestors including Leila. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of students at the University of Chicago. This was a very special school to me due to my grandfather attending in the 1950's for his Master's in English. The presentation focused on the aftermath of rape in specific Rape Trauma Syndrome. You may ask why I would focus on such a topic for prevention. In order to truly prevent any violent crime we have to envision our selves suffering not simply from the act, but from the aftermath of destruction. How can we have empathy for victims without knowing the depths of their pain? How can we stop victim blaming without hearing what this behavior does to a survivor? It necessary we understand how we treat victims in order for change to occur. The path I had of going from victim to survivor was one filled with heartbreak and triumph. This path is one every victim needs to take in order to become a survivor yet it is one that is often ignored in silence, or excused as one without pain. We need to realize the importance of that experience a survivor has on prevention, and the story all of us need to hear. As life becomes more hectic and we look for a beacon of hope for the future let us first examine our past for it can tell us more about ourselves than we ever dreamed.

Brave New World

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Monday, May 24 2010 23:21 Written by Gwen

As summer begins many students around the country are experiencing the joys of commencement and the new beginnings of the real world. Let us take a moment to understand that the violence on campuses experienced by so many doesn't end with graduation. The pain and heartache of victims of sexual assault doesn't leave when we are brushed off into a new start at life. All of us in society play a crucial role in not only preventing violent crime, but aiding in helping victims heal. Acknowledging the problem of sexual assault at colleges is the first step, and addressing the factors that contribute to this problem not only at college but at society at large is crucial. Treating young women as objects and using demeaning language only further allows a foundation for this crime. In order to prevent sexual violence we need to focus on the idea of seeing young women and young men as human beings with emotions and feelings. At its core we are all vulnerable of feeling lesser than of. It is the responsibility of all of us to show compassion for one another. In this journey of sharing my story with others I have found that many men are interested. They listen with an open heart and offer insight to stopping this crime. The most important aspect of this is these men are touched by how one man can try to destroy the essence of another human being. A sister, a mother, a friend, and wife can all be touched by this act. Yet, it is the brother; father, friend, or husband that truly is a critical piece of prevention. So I dedicate this post to all those men that diligently fight with kind words of encouragement and equality to show the true meaning of what is to be a man.

Face your Fears

Birthday Wishes

The Compassionate Being

The Vision of Hope

Brave New World

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