Sexual Violence

For those of you who don’t know, one of the things I do, besides theatre, is work as a hospital advocate and community educator. I know this is a hard thing to think about or talk about but it affects so many people, people in our lives, people that we know and love and care about. Throughout April, I’m going to highlight a few different issues around sexual and domestic violence. I want to share a few statistics with you, focus on a few myths about sexual assault, and most importantly, talk about how YOU can make a difference! I am hugely convicted about this. As bloggers, I think we have a big voice and this is an important time to use it! So I hope it’s okay if we have a conversation…

Source: google.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Here are some numbers…

1 in 6 women have experienced a sexual assault. 1 in 33 men have, too.

Someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes. More than 200,000 people a year.

More than HALF of those assaults will not be reported.

97% of rapists will not spend a day in prison for their crime.

Again, I know this is not easy stuff to think about or talk about. But I hope this month, we’ll try. I encourage you to find out more. Visit RAINN for more information and statistics or for ways to get involved in your community.

If you or someone you know needs help or has questions, you can call the free, confidential 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline and speak with a trained advocate. They can talk with you about anything or they can direct you to your local hotline, as well.

1-800-656-HOPE

Please feel free to email me or leave a comment if you have questions or thoughts about this issue. I would really love to hear from you.

love, elizabeth

Don’t Call Me Sweetie Pie, Sweetie Pie

Here’s the deal-i-o, men of the workplace. If you are not my father, my husband, or a sweet old man born before 1940, please call me by my name. It’s Elizabeth, by the way. It’s 2011 and if I’m your colleague and your professional equal, I deserve to be treated that way.

And I don’t care how you meant it. When you call me “sweetie pie,” you communicate that you believe that you and I are different, that I am sweet and cute and young and female, and that you are a strong, paternal, authoritative man. But the fact is that you and I have received the same education. We’re doing the same job in the same field. If you wouldn’t call a male PhD student “sweetie,” you shouldn’t call me that, either. I certainly would never address you as “hun” or “sweetheart.” Because that would be disrespectful and unprofessional, possibly even inappropriate.

And don’t hug me without asking my permission. We’re not that friendly.

Source: google.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

 

What can I say? Actual sexism bugs me.

love, elizabeth