World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual, Abuse, and Violence.
Within the framework of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence we echo the article “We are with you, today and always” published in the DF Diario Feminista for our commitment to the eradication of all forms of violence.
Today, you read us, or they will share this article with you; if you have suffered sexual violence as a minor or now you are suffering it, know that we are with you and that you can count on our network. You are not alone; many more people are working in the world to eradicate sexual violence perpetrated against minors and to eradicate isolating gender violence, which they commit when we break the silence and direct their attacks on those who support us. Many more people, from all styles of life, of all ages, beliefs, and political options, are working to end the livelihood of these permanent harassments from science and are always upstanders.
Society has advanced significantly in recent years. Increased public awareness, social movements, the advancement of science, and support networks have marked a turning point in the fight against abuse. Most people reject child aggressors. Before, there was much more submission; now, It’s cringe-worthy- as some young people said the other day – people who ally themselves with child aggressors.
Today is the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, and from the association CSA Survivors – Science and Friendship, we strengthen our dream of protecting victims, survivors, and the people they support in the advancement of a world without sexual violence and permanent harassment. as well as safe environments where survivors can carry out the healing processes they freely decide. The people who are now part of the association have been supporting victims for decades. We work together and have support from some universities around the world in different countries. We co-lead some of the scientific research on the subject. We are in a position to support you.
Scientific evidence highlights that many victims do not report abuse for fear of reprisals, silence prevails mainly due to the threat of perpetrators who continue to harass their victims and those who support them, especially when we break the silence. Support is key to guaranteeing a safe environment for victims and survivors, since the abuse and harassment that is usually received after the complaint entails health consequences that are overcome with support networks and comprehensive medical and legal care, as in Fuenteovejuna, altogether.
It is also key to advance in the denunciation that integrates abuse ands permanent harassment since the crime committed by sexual aggressors of minors includes both sexual violence itself and any harassment campaign that extends beyond abuse. It usually provides defamation campaigns and constant harassment behind anonymous users since they know that if they show their real identity, they would no longer have any margin to continue harassing.
We have made progress, yes, and we are going to make more progress until we eradicate all abuse and permanent harassment of isolating gender violence. This is how we reaffirm our commitment to victims and survivors today. You are not alone. As a society, we have a responsibility to break the silence, support those in need, and work tirelessly to eradicate abuse and harassment in all its forms.
We are with you today and always.
(Photo by Canva)
President of the CSAS Association - Science and Friendship
Director of DF Diario Feminista
Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona