tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50451750882771353042024-03-28T00:04:31.781-04:00WE Survive Abuse Here to partner with victims & Survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, & abuse in their healing journey.
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Signed Survivor-Tonya GJ PrinceTonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.comBlogger754125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-77810421221559053932024-03-28T00:04:00.001-04:002024-03-28T00:04:00.138-04:0010 Stealthy Self Defense Gadgets You Can Take Everywhere<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/QxjDRlGAJTw?si=gtc4htCYO3Q_6-ZJ" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-76557254855018650982024-03-27T07:09:00.010-04:002024-03-27T07:34:40.179-04:00Unlock Your Inner Power: Recognize Gaslighting Insults and Empower Yourself<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Affirmatio: </b></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I am the catalyst for change, </b></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>the voice that speaks <span style="color: red;">truth</span> to power</b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gaslighting insults are designed to undermine the victim's reality, self-esteem, and sense of trust. They are used to manipulate and control the victim, making them doubt their own perceptions, judgment, and worth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Motives and Intent:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*<b>Invalidate the victim's experiences:</b> Gaslighting insults deny or distort the victim's memories, feelings, and observations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Create confusion and doubt:</b> The victim is led to question their own sanity or reliability, making them more susceptible to further manipulation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Isolate the victim:</b> By undermining the victim's relationships and support system, the gaslighter can control their access to information and validation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Promote shame and guilt</b>: The victim is made to feel responsible for their own victimization, leading to low self-esteem and diminished self-worth.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Establish control:</b> The gaslighter gains power and dominance over the victim by controlling their reality and emotions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Maintain a facade:</b> Gaslighting insults help the gaslighter maintain a positive or innocent image while covertly manipulating the victim.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Distract from accountability:</b> By blaming the victim, the gaslighter avoids taking responsibility for their own behavior or shortcomings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It may help to remember that people who use gaslighting insults are aware of one thing, you already have something they still need. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">You have what they need or want. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">You do not have to surrender your power. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjSyRXaL43PlL8SCV77aFes3DZRkoXApCcwPMiuD7vq6Fp-Pj34-qnvichOAVD49vziRG_wcGfbg7Jtb4dRVTawNFRBzmIqdpAFbu72mQcw1rqz-J0SNkLfQHh-5FDHLvrevNGPy7N9hYymnWarDLBqKwwu1rJb5W2DA3B27C96N7xeT09C3MJGlyVUQ4/s6000/vecteezy_you-have-the-power-text-written-in-torn-paper_23645997.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjSyRXaL43PlL8SCV77aFes3DZRkoXApCcwPMiuD7vq6Fp-Pj34-qnvichOAVD49vziRG_wcGfbg7Jtb4dRVTawNFRBzmIqdpAFbu72mQcw1rqz-J0SNkLfQHh-5FDHLvrevNGPy7N9hYymnWarDLBqKwwu1rJb5W2DA3B27C96N7xeT09C3MJGlyVUQ4/w608-h361/vecteezy_you-have-the-power-text-written-in-torn-paper_23645997.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">"You're making that up."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">"That never happens."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">"You're too sensitive."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"> "You're being paranoid."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">"You just hate all men."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"> "I never said that."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"> "You imagined it."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"> "You're crazy."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"> "You're so dramatic."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">"You're just trying to make me feel bad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As a woman, standing up for yourself is being kind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is being kind to yourself. </div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmfXJMYWBgexZij1Nml8Z4X0LqNc39tg3bCHPY75sfNjQiQVUdCI9pRxQXqllu-Ru3wWBezR7wh9iOVXKMEEA7gu-MV-5bsJwhzOl_hJXEyKVVhRHbVPeZJpJLH2GokIxwQYVl2yOi7kLIyDfZijWZcbkQfjeqK1qsf22RFJfPctObDBbKAaa08k_3zpQ/s2000/5%20Common%20Gaslighting%20Phrases.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="800" height="1104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmfXJMYWBgexZij1Nml8Z4X0LqNc39tg3bCHPY75sfNjQiQVUdCI9pRxQXqllu-Ru3wWBezR7wh9iOVXKMEEA7gu-MV-5bsJwhzOl_hJXEyKVVhRHbVPeZJpJLH2GokIxwQYVl2yOi7kLIyDfZijWZcbkQfjeqK1qsf22RFJfPctObDBbKAaa08k_3zpQ/w577-h1104/5%20Common%20Gaslighting%20Phrases.png" width="577" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Affirmatio: </b></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I am the catalyst for change, </b></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>the voice that speaks <span style="color: red;">truth</span> to power</b></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2016/07/24-more-phrases-people-use-to-try-to.html">24 More Phrases People Use to Try to Silence Survivors of Sexual Violence</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2024/01/mocking-your-safety-measures-is-their.html">Mocking Your Safety Measures is Their Coping Strategy</a></span></p>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-45686609003901712792024-03-27T06:38:00.001-04:002024-03-27T06:38:00.132-04:00The Signs of Betrayal Trauma in Someone<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tISTqmuIMO8/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/tISTqmuIMO8?si=tGIZJK1fiSvKSsB1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-69588598237822060092024-03-26T06:28:00.001-04:002024-03-26T06:28:00.131-04:00Betrayal Trauma | The Signs<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Jf2CC73eKqk?si=IoHYEJcwhMnXccWD" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-59617717140421582472024-03-26T00:30:00.013-04:002024-03-26T00:51:35.457-04:00Robin Givens' Courage: Society's Response to Domestic Violence Has Not Changed Enough Since 1988<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Sdr65DeBGI" width="320" youtube-src-id="2Sdr65DeBGI"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On the one hand, people interrogate domestic violence victims. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Why didn't she leave?"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Why does she stay?"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Why not tell someone?"</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, victims are maligned and blamed when they <b>do</b> speak.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Take for instance the infamous interview of Mike Tyson with his new gorgeous wife, actress Robin Givens. When Barbra Walters talked with Robin Givens about Mike Tyson's anger and people witnessing her and her mother being on the other end of that anger. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">People had seen this behavior and that behavior was reported in magazines and newspapers. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Robin spoke freely.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Robin let everyone know that she valued her safety, and did not seem too sure about it anymore. Robin was fearful. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvDB8ghXiSV5M8eEWAJpQPrUzdhn7OO18Y-y9q_zvCRGlNrXmX-wR5hjLBAReVkun1x3zbDYUbAQBYEiWY1oyOFaBw_bfLuksyABLtI1QSbzlIwVVK49aAabjQDf-e8FaK_uAqH3swk-Kgl69R_W9lTd_UjhEJJ0Z5GVlo1oFQUO9RtlsWP0SkOFrEufM/s640/red-35853_640.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="640" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvDB8ghXiSV5M8eEWAJpQPrUzdhn7OO18Y-y9q_zvCRGlNrXmX-wR5hjLBAReVkun1x3zbDYUbAQBYEiWY1oyOFaBw_bfLuksyABLtI1QSbzlIwVVK49aAabjQDf-e8FaK_uAqH3swk-Kgl69R_W9lTd_UjhEJJ0Z5GVlo1oFQUO9RtlsWP0SkOFrEufM/w203-h196/red-35853_640.png" width="203" /></a></div><br />TO THIS DAY</b>.... some people who were not in this relationship, this home, or Mike Tyson's circle are still furious on his behalf. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Comment sections of videos that feature this veteran actress are typically filled with venomous and vile statements. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ditto for anywhere that two or more are gathered. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">There will be blame. Against Robin Givens, the victim. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What I Now Know</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Robin Givens was not supposed to tell the truth about being afraid of Mike Tyson. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I used to think this expectation of Robin came solely from Black American fans. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe Black boxing fans.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ok. Maybe, boxing fans of all backgrounds.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I kept expanding the group because everywhere that I went I was meeting people from more and more backgrounds who thought this way. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> As I began to do more speaking and teaching on domestic violence, I learned that this sentiment goes so much further than race. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Robin Givens broke the code of every society that centers males and minimizes women. In such societies, males who express anger through violence are to be coddled and given 1000 chances to do better. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As for women? Women are <b>NEVER</b> to speak up and express fear of male violence. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Robin Givens was supposed to lie! </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">That was the expectation. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Because had any harm come to this woman, people all over would get to say:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>"Well, Barbara Walters asked her and she said no. There was a camera crew, Barbara Walters, and the whole world watching....why didn't she say something? </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Because you know if that had been me....."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What About Her?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Robin Givens was afraid. So she spoke up and told the entire world. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And the world laughed, ridiculed, and mocked her. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The world wanted to know who she thought she was?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And that is where we are still. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Even after Mike Tyson was tried, convicted, and served time for rape. (That's for another day)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Even after Mike Tyson sat on Oprah's stage in Chicago and told the entire world that he wanted to "sock" Robin Givens.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3hvkXkNcNNE" width="320" youtube-src-id="3hvkXkNcNNE"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Just to be clear, this is not an "anti-Mike Tyson post." This is a pro "let's start being better people who respond with more awareness and resources around domestic violence" post.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">She spoke of being in fear .....sometimes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Not all of the time, but sometimes. </span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I joined the millions who watched the Robin Givens and Mike Tyson interview when I was younger. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the program, </span><span style="font-size: large;">I just remember praying that she would be okay. It was <b>TENSE! </b>And then after the interview, the show went off. Wasn't sure what was coming next but it did not look good. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It seems prayers for her were answered that night.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">A New Prayer</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today</b>, reactions to the very public relationship between Robin Givens and Mike Tyson are still teaching us that we have not made as much progress around valuing women, women's safety, and domestic violence. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Tyson seems to have done some reflecting.....maybe even healing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Robin Givens seems to have done some reflecting, growing, and healing. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My prayer today is that WE as a society keep doing the necessary reflecting, healing, and growing. We are not audience members in this. We are each other's relatives, friends, neighbors, and fellow world citizens. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We must do better. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3nbuOg6ZYPE" width="320" youtube-src-id="3nbuOg6ZYPE"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">FYI.....after this episode aired, Oprah had Robin Givens on the show. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Oprah apologized to Robin Givens for her reaction to what Mike Tyson said because Robin did not appreciate it. At all. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Oprah explained that she and the audience laughed somewhat out of nervousness and not knowing how to respond.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Still, she humbly apologized to Robin Givens. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Robin Givens appreciated the apology. She had tears in her eyes and everything. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I can't find the episode but it was good. It was a good moment. Some of us were in chat rooms talking about how that moment made us take another look at how we respond when something like that is said and it makes us nervous. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-6124257558777851542024-03-26T00:13:00.004-04:002024-03-26T00:13:18.724-04:00Myth: It Doesn't Hurt Women and Girls to 'Be kind"<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfYB_Vey5rje20g-xQ-UI4ZHj0MZGtm_vho71D4Xa9JdbPcjXc6fjMuIRPentYX1nEsvqD2xIU74k94d8M_f3vJ9Y17-gisIHL2PgNrop28oTDcPNBu2QFsWTxYPeff5L0vx3JTh0vrsPhyphenhyphenGJpIwZHbPn3wl2WDUvBY_pHhCOCkpuNANjkGKGJg4pFew6/s1500/Copy%20of%20Pastel%20Purple%20and%20Pink%20Trendy%20Gradient%20Quote%20Twitter%20Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfYB_Vey5rje20g-xQ-UI4ZHj0MZGtm_vho71D4Xa9JdbPcjXc6fjMuIRPentYX1nEsvqD2xIU74k94d8M_f3vJ9Y17-gisIHL2PgNrop28oTDcPNBu2QFsWTxYPeff5L0vx3JTh0vrsPhyphenhyphenGJpIwZHbPn3wl2WDUvBY_pHhCOCkpuNANjkGKGJg4pFew6/w640-h214/Copy%20of%20Pastel%20Purple%20and%20Pink%20Trendy%20Gradient%20Quote%20Twitter%20Header.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stop the lies. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trusting the wrong folks gets untold numbers of people violated and killed every single day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone over a certain numeric IQ knows this. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<div data-elink="https://elink.io/embed/9c8b038"><a href="https://elink.io" target="_blank">elink.io</a> | <a href="https://elink.io/p/9c8b038" target="_blank">See Original</a></div><script async src="https://d1sf3a4rercrry.cloudfront.net/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-51624624973108964672024-03-26T00:00:00.003-04:002024-03-26T00:00:00.138-04:00New restaurant in Shelton supports survivors of abuse and trauma<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/1s0tfDXM_aA?si=IsRlq6njm8Qml17f" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-67981199460119293822024-03-26T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-26T00:00:00.138-04:00Business Presentation - Yoga for women survivors of sexual abuse<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dMQsWmAgtno/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/dMQsWmAgtno?si=eGgpq76YkZnz9OyE" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-65283708200143854472024-03-25T09:33:00.000-04:002024-03-25T09:33:21.572-04:00Exploring the Dark Side of Festivals: Uncovering the Reality of Sexual Violence in America (ebook)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihr6bgFswCODKN8oPCEXOqFryJspl49BI_CLcoHPTngRNs0qikCHR0rRpppLXaHLoC5b-vMiJGS9MQnKaX_f28HqNK0E3FHQORL9ra9polcvoD8Ns8bzWAKfafbxp6JPzrFOnDlHdIfYKdV43jwyEG3ZlhqZ7GXPhEatFqoKB5Qkff2CQfHoKkqLHcFYd_/s2000/Exploring%20the%20Dark%20Side%20of%20Festivals%20Uncovering%20the%20Reality%20of%20Sexual%20Violence%20in%20America.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihr6bgFswCODKN8oPCEXOqFryJspl49BI_CLcoHPTngRNs0qikCHR0rRpppLXaHLoC5b-vMiJGS9MQnKaX_f28HqNK0E3FHQORL9ra9polcvoD8Ns8bzWAKfafbxp6JPzrFOnDlHdIfYKdV43jwyEG3ZlhqZ7GXPhEatFqoKB5Qkff2CQfHoKkqLHcFYd_/w452-h640/Exploring%20the%20Dark%20Side%20of%20Festivals%20Uncovering%20the%20Reality%20of%20Sexual%20Violence%20in%20America.png" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Survivor Affirmation: I Realize That My Safety Needs Matter</div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAFglw3eCUs/oddQwr0ytjJj5CUHeEEOOQ/view?utm_content=DAFglw3eCUs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor"> Exploring the Dark Side of Festivals: Uncovering the Reality of Sexual Violence in America</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(pdf)</div></span><div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p>
<iframe height="700" src="https://flip.techmarketers.xyz/share/flipbook?fid=9d949c3d8baa0f9df6f22c4661946a61" title="Exploring the Dark Side of Festivals: Uncovering the Reality of Sexual Violence in America" width="500"></iframe>
</div>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-762116836092087522024-03-25T07:04:00.004-04:002024-03-25T07:13:37.835-04:00How I (actually) got HIV #storytime<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/aTMXF_2FUd8?si=8lt3izn4bb03iJFF" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WARNING!! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Self-care is highly advised. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Please consider the time of day that you view this video, or even if you should view it at all. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">WE have other healing content on this blog and SurvivorAffirmations.com. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2024/02/women-asserting-their-boundaries-at.html"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Women Asserting Their Boundaries at Lesbian Bars (video story)</span></b></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/03/the-warrior-women.html"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Warrior Women from History</span></b></a></div><div><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/01/the-right-to-say-no-is-mine-youth.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></a></div><div><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/01/the-right-to-say-no-is-mine-youth.html"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Right to Say "NO" is Mine: Youth Edition (video)</span></b></a></div>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-1215327327574207542024-03-25T06:22:00.007-04:002024-03-25T06:22:00.129-04:00The Trauma Bonded Enabler<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/kECIq1LXBOk?si=gxLEszdemEj5gtAF" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-25071510604491800262024-03-25T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-25T00:00:00.133-04:00Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Speaks Out<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/cLqwVwx9poM?si=r89NN7gEzUQYgyAW" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-50346461209943213732024-03-24T06:01:00.001-04:002024-03-25T09:40:45.731-04:004 Simple Movement Exercises to Regulate Your Nervous System: Trauma & Em...<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/IHlGEKRkTTc?si=3szUzr8D-UUzsKNt" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-51433592895233454492024-03-23T06:14:00.003-04:002024-03-25T09:36:36.858-04:00Healing Movement Exercise to RELEASE TENSION: Move through stress,anxiet...<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/n7pfLBBYzK0?si=8ynTWg_4KtnQuK8E" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-46177577529494777202024-03-23T05:53:00.007-04:002024-03-23T05:53:30.448-04:00What is Somatic Movement?<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Gna1iyeGz90?si=d5_DuLskMinH2Rv-" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-56156635597501257812024-03-23T01:11:00.011-04:002024-03-23T01:23:09.982-04:00Unsilencing Women's Health Issues<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4jD5iMaAA3tiPeL52uFqaJrkYj4R_Yb7MGBF9FuSL7vJNIaSaQquQ4RiaAU3_DYjcFw2flrpD2o4H714UrQGizvFnaE5nIva9SdC3VwgQoFus3exQy3h5tIUX1bDG5F41XxUoqx2uK4jWffhq7rsvhMAwQvn5xwgYL7hnfC07IJshd-qYKam-4pQU5Sk/s1080/Green%20Lilac%20Simple%20Skincare%20Reminder%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4jD5iMaAA3tiPeL52uFqaJrkYj4R_Yb7MGBF9FuSL7vJNIaSaQquQ4RiaAU3_DYjcFw2flrpD2o4H714UrQGizvFnaE5nIva9SdC3VwgQoFus3exQy3h5tIUX1bDG5F41XxUoqx2uK4jWffhq7rsvhMAwQvn5xwgYL7hnfC07IJshd-qYKam-4pQU5Sk/w640-h640/Green%20Lilac%20Simple%20Skincare%20Reminder%20Instagram%20Post.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are we losing lessons in feminism and womanism too?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are women who happen to be privileged to have the most rights better off or worse off than we were 5 years ago? 10 years ago?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are women who happen to have fewer privileges better off or worse off than we were 5 years ago? 10 years ago?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What are women who happen to have more privileges doing to advance the rights of other female human beings? Specifically? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Has social media helped more women around the globe to gain more rights?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Has social media helped more women and girls around the globe to be safer?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What are the women with more privileges doing to help other females around the world?</span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">Examples:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtAi1xgQ3XUWA9bRPUin0PodV9V7yMRVhB9zBOY81skApdwJftne1EwlmiZz9Ncg17M2nRuXfYrxOBrwsxVbrAI3pGZvkl2Wk0zRpmCss7X0WkG39Vm3psvRpRVjK7b4sIKs3CoXoe-W5-kvoHe48gSig_t2I3ONg9DD5PMH9vr9lVosnvRd-cHE3KPNH/s1350/audre%20lorde%20deliberate%20and%20not%20afraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1180" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtAi1xgQ3XUWA9bRPUin0PodV9V7yMRVhB9zBOY81skApdwJftne1EwlmiZz9Ncg17M2nRuXfYrxOBrwsxVbrAI3pGZvkl2Wk0zRpmCss7X0WkG39Vm3psvRpRVjK7b4sIKs3CoXoe-W5-kvoHe48gSig_t2I3ONg9DD5PMH9vr9lVosnvRd-cHE3KPNH/w319-h365/audre%20lorde%20deliberate%20and%20not%20afraid.jpg" width="319" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If you have access to the internet.....</i></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If you have access to training or education...</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If you can vote in elections and have your vote counted.....</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If you can gather with other women in public spaces outside of the company/supervision of males....</i></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are you using these privileges that other women do not have to help other women to gain access to them?</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Males are not going to fight against other males for women and girls to have even one more right than we already have. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In<b> this</b> world, women need one another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo7W5untU7JM9Oo0Gk-bbnkXj5KQACuzCazm4WsuHiizmMx8GDpZQhy9rekuGs3QuYqq6la2_cXTmqEI9FWuMupkEZkz8tI5z5U2qLq-tjd6OKBOPZXdaLdjvseyNBBtACEWSNZwXf0uArIRsoYOiHJrguVGQAwpizznhxsSdO-nH7yZMGZVuMiP8WuTt/s728/Red%20Black%20Friday%20Discount%20Leaderboard%20Ad%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="728" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo7W5untU7JM9Oo0Gk-bbnkXj5KQACuzCazm4WsuHiizmMx8GDpZQhy9rekuGs3QuYqq6la2_cXTmqEI9FWuMupkEZkz8tI5z5U2qLq-tjd6OKBOPZXdaLdjvseyNBBtACEWSNZwXf0uArIRsoYOiHJrguVGQAwpizznhxsSdO-nH7yZMGZVuMiP8WuTt/w728-h112/Red%20Black%20Friday%20Discount%20Leaderboard%20Ad%20(1).png" width="728" /></a></div><p></p>
<div data-elink="https://elink.io/embed/916c810"><a href="https://elink.io" target="_blank">elink.io</a> | <a href="https://elink.io/p/916c810" target="_blank">See Original</a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://d1sf3a4rercrry.cloudfront.net/embed.js"></script>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-37019538880758205912024-03-22T23:41:00.000-04:002024-03-22T23:41:39.093-04:00The Warrior Women from History<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoUYyBnOPtww6YX3hkLoZU5imrhwFitM9URfSJm2_-spg27qt_OvsATyTIfK5IZBsj5RC_PLwbBgDNkGXZavtIErjsLTHntddyDo8myu8LAiFxXC_YWMnSNUO9NK5LAYL8oAbtZ0La9GNyzESf0z7B5wBNNqSmnwAj02IYehBrURMn_OeIZzIJKy8hbrk/s200/black_history_rosa_parks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="152" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoUYyBnOPtww6YX3hkLoZU5imrhwFitM9URfSJm2_-spg27qt_OvsATyTIfK5IZBsj5RC_PLwbBgDNkGXZavtIErjsLTHntddyDo8myu8LAiFxXC_YWMnSNUO9NK5LAYL8oAbtZ0La9GNyzESf0z7B5wBNNqSmnwAj02IYehBrURMn_OeIZzIJKy8hbrk/w349-h459/black_history_rosa_parks.jpg" width="349" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>
<div data-elink="https://elink.io/embed/951e8cc"><a href="https://elink.io" target="_blank">elink.io</a> | <a href="https://elink.io/p/online-courses-newsletter-template-951e8cc" target="_blank">See Original</a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://d1sf3a4rercrry.cloudfront.net/embed.js"></script>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-67860390042577126632024-03-22T00:16:00.000-04:002024-03-22T00:24:48.451-04:00Survivor Spotlight: Toni D. Rivera, Human Trafficking Expert<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1j-yGp1zL6Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="1j-yGp1zL6Q"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can watch Toni's amazingly brave story: For My Man, S6 E13...Chained by Love from TVONE</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><a href="https://tonidrivera.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Toni D Rivera - Human Trafficking Expert, Author Speaker</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Toni D. Rivera</b> is a survivor of sex trafficking who has
dedicated her life to educating and advocating for victims of this life-destroying
crime. Her story began in the early 1990s when she attended the infamous
Atlanta festival known as Freaknik. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In </span><span style="font-size: large;">the 1990s, Freaknik was popular and attracted mostly Black college spring breakers. We're talking thousands. However, for Toni, that weekend would change her life forever.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Toni, who was in her teen years (<i>according to her online bio, she was 15</i>) met a man at Freaknik who was remarkably handsome and seemed charming and
charismatic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dlOF6HdZlRAMe07AEHhAIBWstnbbeT75LfJuTAx9TpghexeB7G-CGJj-mZqmmPcdN3NZfu_8bdozx-36TFWZziC14mxCBWnfmcVrMQtxkUuzNGhwjg2dMGPoakeEGoKRFEjDJz9jIAhV_L4KdRtEWYLq_ZanLK4Q2Kjrt8OiT0449YocLJ2pkAVIBQ/s750/I%20persevere%20silence.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dlOF6HdZlRAMe07AEHhAIBWstnbbeT75LfJuTAx9TpghexeB7G-CGJj-mZqmmPcdN3NZfu_8bdozx-36TFWZziC14mxCBWnfmcVrMQtxkUuzNGhwjg2dMGPoakeEGoKRFEjDJz9jIAhV_L4KdRtEWYLq_ZanLK4Q2Kjrt8OiT0449YocLJ2pkAVIBQ/s320/I%20persevere%20silence.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />He introduced himself as an entertainment industry insider and
claimed to have connections that could help her launch a singing career. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This was Toni's chance! She had been dancing for years and loved to show off her moves. When she danced, people paid attention. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Excited about the possibility of realizing her dreams, Toni exchanged numbers
with the man (let's call him Chris) and began texting and talking to him frequently.<br />
<br />
However, after a few weeks of communicating, Toni began to notice some red
flags. Chris would pressure her to send him explicit photos and would become
irate if she refused. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">He also asked her to meet up with him and his acquaintances for parties and events, which she initially declined. He was a little old. She was a little young. She was from a rural area where everyone knew everyone else. It was all a bit much. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NLb4Xzg2cfozZw2Xtb1CtEomg1EVUtAqAUCCenOBi5AF3_nyI9YcmnRrceYx0SLKryHX13reiPvVm1TGit6vei8UXrmCUSuV0K23vJppKCco7I3YccUS3PKlQ8GsGRFAXD_zsx6uS3W6Fa_Eznh1YAGSx6LwpXj_Te47ZkEmGyN1hIHGVxWdPumSZg/s750/As%20I%20was%20meant%20to%20be%20.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NLb4Xzg2cfozZw2Xtb1CtEomg1EVUtAqAUCCenOBi5AF3_nyI9YcmnRrceYx0SLKryHX13reiPvVm1TGit6vei8UXrmCUSuV0K23vJppKCco7I3YccUS3PKlQ8GsGRFAXD_zsx6uS3W6Fa_Eznh1YAGSx6LwpXj_Te47ZkEmGyN1hIHGVxWdPumSZg/s320/As%20I%20was%20meant%20to%20be%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />However, Chris continued to pressure her, telling her that networking was key to success in
the music business. If she genuinely wanted to be a dancer, she had to get to know the right people. Having seen her dance at Freaknik, Chris was willing to help her with that. <br />
<br />Toni wondered how she could turn it down? She gave in to Chris' demands and attended a party he invited
her to. That's when things took a turn for the strange. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Toni found
herself surrounded by strangers, and Chris was
nowhere to be found. She felt uncomfortable and scared and made a move to leave but was blocked from leaving. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a dangerous, life-altering, and painful trap. </span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
For the next few months, Toni was violently forced and threatened into performing sexual acts for money that went into Chris' pockets. Whenever she seemed hesitant, there were more threats and more violence. Toni was concerned for both her own safety and the safety of her family. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep3ClnTNwk-Jus3Uf9zPXmcVSrV6QczbPh92VpRwexZFcOY3gL3rBt56s8lDHrN3-FXq3wG-b9NnosLL8XexAOMlc30IPHcic6yhAXiiTdbR8_SC3MxEmLWTFkEDxqXX1VhT-qlUJA-S9kl8ZfY50NL70Fphyzf2TYpM06sefg6hTbhjsDImTAudzoA/s750/Fear%20makes%20it%20possible.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep3ClnTNwk-Jus3Uf9zPXmcVSrV6QczbPh92VpRwexZFcOY3gL3rBt56s8lDHrN3-FXq3wG-b9NnosLL8XexAOMlc30IPHcic6yhAXiiTdbR8_SC3MxEmLWTFkEDxqXX1VhT-qlUJA-S9kl8ZfY50NL70Fphyzf2TYpM06sefg6hTbhjsDImTAudzoA/s320/Fear%20makes%20it%20possible.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Meanwhile, her worried and anxious family continued to travel to places they hoped she might be looking for her. Toni's</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">season of torture only ended when she decided to take an open opportunity to escape.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Since then, Toni has been on a mission to raise awareness about sex trafficking
and help other survivors. She is a speaker, and executive producer who shares her story and educates audiences on the warning signs of trafficking. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">She also founded<b> R.O.S.E</b> (Restore Overcome Sexual Exploitation) which provides support and resources to victims of sex
trafficking.<br />
<br />
Toni's story highlights the insidious and pervasive nature of sex trafficking.
It can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of race, gender, or social
status. It's often disguised by charming and manipulative traffickers who prey
on vulnerable individuals seeking connection and opportunity. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqADw3T2wD5QKMe9wYxi_hRfui9dJVl23VHxbCv1U15WgWxCg3NNOLJBNQksi8Nj6wTMhNedgYOsFda6B8ltlE58BRLM9-5KPxdSkMqqO64dWaFPpCWrOPmbr21atW7quMW9YCBZQkwO29MPbFQuLb4SJiOYq7bwr12adTOqDz8shc8Tu42-Nv9xQpQ/s750/Courage%20takes%20me%20over.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqADw3T2wD5QKMe9wYxi_hRfui9dJVl23VHxbCv1U15WgWxCg3NNOLJBNQksi8Nj6wTMhNedgYOsFda6B8ltlE58BRLM9-5KPxdSkMqqO64dWaFPpCWrOPmbr21atW7quMW9YCBZQkwO29MPbFQuLb4SJiOYq7bwr12adTOqDz8shc8Tu42-Nv9xQpQ/s320/Courage%20takes%20me%20over.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />However, Toni's
story also demonstrates that there is hope for survivors. With support,
education, and resources, victims can escape their traffickers and rebuild
their lives.<br />
<br />Toni D. Rivera's story is one of resilience and strength in the
face of unimaginable trauma. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Her bravery in sharing her story and advocating
for victims of sex trafficking is inspirational and serves as a reminder that
we must continue to fight against this crime and support those affected by it.</span><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://tonidrivera.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Toni D Rivera - Human Trafficking Expert, Author Speaker</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Others on Freaknik:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoveBDCW5rLXNsZhFvMDIWfu9cPPhX9lu3sd0VrCugzo0_S22Dnhcd3_ADKasGFG_gx572JZvVjGis4pyBFYahkitEvBN6QoRK0rbH4EINcX7f9kVr8CdX1f5jGPbfK1xAMUOythX7KeCimstU4Sl6pSzdkKimvl53O48ewY6xq1pMRgrMzyCVgqW1g/s2017/FtSBr0EXwAkxXay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2017" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoveBDCW5rLXNsZhFvMDIWfu9cPPhX9lu3sd0VrCugzo0_S22Dnhcd3_ADKasGFG_gx572JZvVjGis4pyBFYahkitEvBN6QoRK0rbH4EINcX7f9kVr8CdX1f5jGPbfK1xAMUOythX7KeCimstU4Sl6pSzdkKimvl53O48ewY6xq1pMRgrMzyCVgqW1g/w529-h640/FtSBr0EXwAkxXay.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://rollingout.com/2019/01/12/toni-rivera-from-sex-slave-to-sex-trafficker-to-rescuer-of-young-women/"><span style="font-size: large;">Toni Rivera: From sex slave to sex trafficker to rescuer of young women - Rolling Out</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thisis50.com/2019/10/15/toni-d-rivera-tells-her-story-of-surviving-sex-human-trafficking-and-her-purpose-to-save-lives-now/"><span style="font-size: large;">Toni D Rivera Tells Her Story Of Surviving Sex Human Trafficking And Her Purpose To Save Lives Now (thisis50.com)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://news.yahoo.com/human-trafficking-survivor-bipoc-community-173023840.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIk_mUpAP83CD4Bkh-x2LnVGXIKrzrGXiXMLn80UNYorns-akenesk7Fy_xq9VVb1BhX7ixOWo54_-xgPsS4k7VD0Qxyls8A9D3-Gyek8zKfn2Tp5fq9k5_YcaFlYNUs00m4jm9XGU2VdQFGWTm3ypt70tQvbWHMlUkX_rCa2eOS"><span style="font-size: large;">A human trafficking survivor on what the BIPOC community needs to know (yahoo.com)</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/08/survivor-spotlight-katoucha-niane-video.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Survivor Spotlight: Katoucha Niane (video) | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/09/survivor-spotlight-katrina-cooke.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Survivor Spotlight: Katrina Cooke Brownlee | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/02/best-books-on-surviving-violence-and.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Best Books on Surviving Violence and Abuse, So Far: Black History Month Edition | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/09/favorite-memoirs-on-abuse-rape-violence.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Favorite Memoirs on Abuse, Rape, & Violence: Tonya GJ Prince (flipbook) | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2016/09/10-excellent-memoirs-about-sexual.html"><span style="font-size: large;">10 Excellent Memoirs about the Sexual Violence Survivor's Journey | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2015/09/the-eye-of-child-sexual-abuse-survivor.html"><span style="font-size: large;">The Eye of the Child Sexual Abuse Survivor: A Black Man Takes the Mic | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2015/11/high-five-from-wesurvive-lavon-morris_4.html"><span style="font-size: large;">High Five From WESurvive: Lavon Morris Grant A Spiritual Miracle | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/09/books-for-survivors-amy-tan-and-cathy-l.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Books for Survivors: Amy Tan and Cathy L. Patrenos | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/11/donate-to-heroine-today-nomcebo.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Donate to a Heroine Today: Nomcebo Mkhaliphi | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2016/02/i-will-survive-how-survivor-gloria.html"><span style="font-size: large;">I Will Survive: How Survivor Gloria Gaynor Keeps Inspiring Decades After the Release of Grammy Winning Song | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/04/exploring-dark-side-of-festivals.html">Exploring the Dark Side of Festivals: Uncovering the Reality of Sexual Violence in America (ebook) | WE Survive Abuse</a></p></div>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-8197261634557719442024-03-22T00:14:00.003-04:002024-03-22T00:19:58.684-04:00The real horror stories from #freaknik #truestory #atlanta #hulu<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Ck-GxMFpWGQ?si=-2QICE9SSLezROar" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-41285219463173819832024-03-22T00:09:00.001-04:002024-03-22T00:17:53.747-04:00So THIS Is What Happened to Freaknik<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/flYvGHkMFZE?si=mPnOJ_NTJwKv_qhg" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-53099151400095982292024-03-22T00:01:00.000-04:002024-03-22T00:01:00.516-04:00Sexual Assaults at American Festivals: Freaknik<p><span><b><span style="font-size: large;">In the beginning, there was fun!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdjPbZJaE74Ry1Sg4yqvW79ps0NaM6xkL-k4eDCgj3w5Cg2c7ZVwYBiROR9inpgLI8lMGGDRsoU_px8xp196qOmUgjK4-pCJe3w3ZqAggj6kLpEEWTUnnLiVysddRbA1BQrHl5uuveat5GouQ2lYp0ej0Do6eYrLF08-DeJMb0oxN2lAxo2myv8laQ0Jr/s4256/vecteezy_urban-young-african-american-woman-in-pink-top-and-grey_10988755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdjPbZJaE74Ry1Sg4yqvW79ps0NaM6xkL-k4eDCgj3w5Cg2c7ZVwYBiROR9inpgLI8lMGGDRsoU_px8xp196qOmUgjK4-pCJe3w3ZqAggj6kLpEEWTUnnLiVysddRbA1BQrHl5uuveat5GouQ2lYp0ej0Do6eYrLF08-DeJMb0oxN2lAxo2myv8laQ0Jr/w500-h332/vecteezy_urban-young-african-american-woman-in-pink-top-and-grey_10988755.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Freaknik, a spring break party and young Black cultural gathering held in Atlanta, Georgia, was started in the 1980s by a group of college students from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) of Atlanta. </span><span>It was a time when people gathered to celebrate Black music, art, and culture.</span></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Initially, the event was meant to provide a break from academic studies for the students, but it soon became a huge annual event that drew thousands of partygoers from all over the country.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08rZqHemLau2_hRzhW0B6Nw4utObz3P7RTMTre-_U_Be6zX5_Rop8hAmxmCFIkL3ETEB0K69kk_aSEZj_6jA6ax3hXNy7MqowHmwabS7KVhzzz3u_OcqsK07HyYCZW08h5AVv3ipAwfb4THCwaLVRETZk7QEKDKFuIubCsVHBOV-98FOi6NTKQEWVcg/s4000/man_in_white_long_sleeve_shirt_smiling_beside_woman_in_black_jacket-scopio-73433ae4-6f6e-4d43-b6d7-2c31869f8021.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3608" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08rZqHemLau2_hRzhW0B6Nw4utObz3P7RTMTre-_U_Be6zX5_Rop8hAmxmCFIkL3ETEB0K69kk_aSEZj_6jA6ax3hXNy7MqowHmwabS7KVhzzz3u_OcqsK07HyYCZW08h5AVv3ipAwfb4THCwaLVRETZk7QEKDKFuIubCsVHBOV-98FOi6NTKQEWVcg/w361-h400/man_in_white_long_sleeve_shirt_smiling_beside_woman_in_black_jacket-scopio-73433ae4-6f6e-4d43-b6d7-2c31869f8021.jpg" title="Image by Jemiah Fields "My mother pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha which is a Greek organization that presents a sisterhood for a life time." #blackfamilyhistory" width="361" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Image by Jemiah Fields: Women of AKA (<b>NOT</b> at Freaknik)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first Freaknik was held in 1983 at a park in Atlanta, and it attracted around 2000 students. Students from HBCUs such as Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta University, who were looking for an event that would allow them to socialize and party, were the primary attendees.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/04/exploring-dark-side-of-festivals.html">Exploring the Dark Side of Festivals: Uncovering the Reality of Sexual Violence in America (ebook) | WE Survive Abuse</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYjLUw_F1iqnMPiuFQ_i-eBiz4Ia91Z8dMVZ5TZ6TmR48c2t-7Ap20_2gsEv8xb9lOT63kOr0wEkFxsDorgT9vRPzGHgO5MzVU1Ibhlol-ts_6zGtX0-E2Va7x1WaB7uR6H_5yXHSlC-8CaPZG6FFrSwLLapOaHsfMVDiWt4UnrqqL6b9hLki7cmWzQ/s1080/instagram-post-generator-featuring-cut-out-quotes-2321b%20(5).png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYjLUw_F1iqnMPiuFQ_i-eBiz4Ia91Z8dMVZ5TZ6TmR48c2t-7Ap20_2gsEv8xb9lOT63kOr0wEkFxsDorgT9vRPzGHgO5MzVU1Ibhlol-ts_6zGtX0-E2Va7x1WaB7uR6H_5yXHSlC-8CaPZG6FFrSwLLapOaHsfMVDiWt4UnrqqL6b9hLki7cmWzQ/w400-h400/instagram-post-generator-featuring-cut-out-quotes-2321b%20(5).png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>The event was a chance for young African Americans to come together and party in their own way, without interference from a mainstream society with a long history of strife, injustice, and violence against young Black Americans. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br />By the end of the 80s, the event had grown in popularity, attracting tens of thousands of attendees. It became a week-long celebration and took on a life of its own, with different promoters hosting events every day. The event was an opportunity for young African Americans to party, socialize, and network with one another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTq8EH1BAGq90GJoiBoDD_kBu3D3-hTLAZoZH5Y0Y7-rGSsxij5MkD_bN5M8HdTZsoiu1Vcs70ASuXAnlCGqrlvouOeLfbwOQKZkPFbTDEpe1x7GeJ_AgVBR-_hlYGF-knrhJU3r_leHgUNW_OIQxH0Akirjb9d-UHrVWrZfQaQaV752XfZ-YsXe5zQ/s1067/still%20in%20early%20conversation%20stage%20of%20sexual%20violence%20star.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1067" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTq8EH1BAGq90GJoiBoDD_kBu3D3-hTLAZoZH5Y0Y7-rGSsxij5MkD_bN5M8HdTZsoiu1Vcs70ASuXAnlCGqrlvouOeLfbwOQKZkPFbTDEpe1x7GeJ_AgVBR-_hlYGF-knrhJU3r_leHgUNW_OIQxH0Akirjb9d-UHrVWrZfQaQaV752XfZ-YsXe5zQ/w400-h291/still%20in%20early%20conversation%20stage%20of%20sexual%20violence%20star.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br />While the event was initially embraced by the local community, that would not last. Increased traffic and an increase in the population of young people seeking to make their spring break incredibly memorable led to tense relations with residents. </span><span>For the city of Atlanta, the event filled with partying young people making impulsive choices was becoming a public concern.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Freaknik Festival has a long history associated with music, party, and cultural celebrations. However, it’s not all fun and games. This annual event, which usually takes place in various locations across the United States, has been associated with sexual assaults and harassment.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And then the fun was done.....</b></span></h4><p><span style="font-size: large;">While the festival's purpose was initially to celebrate Black culture, it became a breeding ground for sexual predators. Reports of sexual assault and harassment at the event started emerging in the 90s. It became so widespread that the authorities had to shut down the festival in 1996.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2JA9zP91GTxVKzpTRaaqy9sPaOZxOFev8477cQnaFHYx5PzogvG-ydtK5Q7ITWTJ8qpp8fFwnEric0q_kpCLbRzj5qF6xLH8kDRmmQmJWpX555TDK5Tt4Ben3oeWzn_vLwatWf2ff9eaCat88ID1Fhaz58Gmndh5XCkP7U6MmAodQ_EAIQJbm0xuSA/s789/315000757_10161963331014638_1597506984144870910_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2JA9zP91GTxVKzpTRaaqy9sPaOZxOFev8477cQnaFHYx5PzogvG-ydtK5Q7ITWTJ8qpp8fFwnEric0q_kpCLbRzj5qF6xLH8kDRmmQmJWpX555TDK5Tt4Ben3oeWzn_vLwatWf2ff9eaCat88ID1Fhaz58Gmndh5XCkP7U6MmAodQ_EAIQJbm0xuSA/s320/315000757_10161963331014638_1597506984144870910_n.jpg" width="257" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Over the years many women have come forward with stories of being groped, harassed, raped, and assaulted at the event. It should be noted that t</span><span>he festival organizers condemned the inappropriate behavior.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's essential to recognize that this issue is not unique to Freaknik Festival. Sexual assault and harassment are a problem that plagues social gatherings and events of all kinds. However, it becomes more concerning when it happens in the context of an event that's meant to celebrate a culture and a community.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgba13DvAXtJk5eqOUvXrHyxOvuH1NB12p7Nbq6ZYgmxw37-noHxywcP3k7uYqBLWA-1zie9Hl3lJeptENpJGT5ZbArAoXVVnAK7MK6l7VijhO5n7Rk5MKm_HN-D5IdkLq9neoKQmIC_EHTEiZiWdndvdtomf9Z5s06bxmL9e1y3Rhf50J7IpbKEhP55Q/s3229/pexels-angela-roma-7479950.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3229" data-original-width="2153" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgba13DvAXtJk5eqOUvXrHyxOvuH1NB12p7Nbq6ZYgmxw37-noHxywcP3k7uYqBLWA-1zie9Hl3lJeptENpJGT5ZbArAoXVVnAK7MK6l7VijhO5n7Rk5MKm_HN-D5IdkLq9neoKQmIC_EHTEiZiWdndvdtomf9Z5s06bxmL9e1y3Rhf50J7IpbKEhP55Q/s320/pexels-angela-roma-7479950.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Additionally, sexual assault and harassment disproportionately affect women of color. For many of these women, speaking out against such incidents might be challenging, given the existing social and cultural dynamics. Other women report speaking but not being believed or heard,. Women also reported being openly and intentionally ignored. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Freaknik Festival is a reminder that we need to work together to create safe spaces for everyone, including women of color. We must take steps to ensure that people feel secure and respected, even in party settings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm264ZQaBwcqtkOsnX-78Yh-2GEiuQ7Nz6oHzUFIbF-x33aKpHCf6fjizR2ZeL739XAVRBD_8Hw_D3bRypXIj35E9y4czAUI0f4DmvN28B8jVB6SheWi8M0pN0GC-yvSb64akPKSkNw4F_fekXfYTaes4krSoWmeRVCU9k98fPteWlbTTVG9JWeze7IA/s1080/Rainbow%20Fight%20Hatred%20Instaram%20Post.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm264ZQaBwcqtkOsnX-78Yh-2GEiuQ7Nz6oHzUFIbF-x33aKpHCf6fjizR2ZeL739XAVRBD_8Hw_D3bRypXIj35E9y4czAUI0f4DmvN28B8jVB6SheWi8M0pN0GC-yvSb64akPKSkNw4F_fekXfYTaes4krSoWmeRVCU9k98fPteWlbTTVG9JWeze7IA/w400-h400/Rainbow%20Fight%20Hatred%20Instaram%20Post.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As a community, we can work towards preventing sexual assault and harassment by raising awareness of the issue and encouraging bystander intervention. </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">We must teach people about consent and the importance of respecting boundaries</b><span style="text-align: left;">. It's our collective responsibility to create a culture that highly values respect, inclusivity, and safety. </span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We can acknowledge the challenge of doing all of this at the same time, while recognizing the necessity of coming together and getting it done. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Memory Lane is On Fire</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIRjF7zk1c5At97h3svU54UpF22oQv3ltQGHfbzBnY_j3IxEcgVq5_fBc6PL3HOziOH-0xJAwU0nJh7EmtaYhlzvgDY2NbBFHuc56QosFhJFH993Bo0w0T7DdgU3Odl2_gcvgFCn-zDplY_p4FLAZuAyyevofU7Q-AlzrHheD3H0lio596XGakCuh8g/s1920/vecteezy_portrait-of-african-women-dark-skin-female-face-with-afro_7739003.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1558" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIRjF7zk1c5At97h3svU54UpF22oQv3ltQGHfbzBnY_j3IxEcgVq5_fBc6PL3HOziOH-0xJAwU0nJh7EmtaYhlzvgDY2NbBFHuc56QosFhJFH993Bo0w0T7DdgU3Odl2_gcvgFCn-zDplY_p4FLAZuAyyevofU7Q-AlzrHheD3H0lio596XGakCuh8g/s320/vecteezy_portrait-of-african-women-dark-skin-female-face-with-afro_7739003.jpg" width="260" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Listen, for many people Freaknik Festival holds significant cultural and historical significance. They still enjoy the memories of the music, the friends, and the connections.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>But for others, a group mostly comprised of women, it was a time the memory is a scar.</span><span> </span><span>For women like Toni D Rivera, now a Human Trafficking expert, Freaknik reminds them of a time when they felt pain like they never knew before. Toni D. Rivera was a teen when she met the much older (around 28 years old) *Chris at Freaknik. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Her free-spirited dancing had his complete attention. He seduced her and told her he would help her with her dream to become a dancer in the music industry.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*Chris had no intention of helping Toni. When he gained her trust and love, he forced her into dancing and performing sex for strangers. The money she made went into his pockets. Chris knew all along that everything that he did for Toni was ultimately for his own ill-gotten gain. Thankfully, Toni escaped the grip of his bondage. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurwvs7hw5mmsPiOJ4toIBf52e69KBNnJ44fbRFgyV8hxZtpvXfBejdSWcxxQ1raN2BNxMTzFgfAiNN74BNeLa9Msf7icUzXWab1Zyw8WVsKYq8PO9jN0lkyRrI9xIY1t8ToMwTe_j0TDWQqnIiIkPUnFlC7UUJYcgyqOffkiF6yrEwycLWpX8wKkraQ/s1080/@TonyaGJPrince.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurwvs7hw5mmsPiOJ4toIBf52e69KBNnJ44fbRFgyV8hxZtpvXfBejdSWcxxQ1raN2BNxMTzFgfAiNN74BNeLa9Msf7icUzXWab1Zyw8WVsKYq8PO9jN0lkyRrI9xIY1t8ToMwTe_j0TDWQqnIiIkPUnFlC7UUJYcgyqOffkiF6yrEwycLWpX8wKkraQ/s320/@TonyaGJPrince.png" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span><span>She now runs an organization that helps other prostituted and trafficked women and girls. </span><span>For the women like Toni who were targeted, preyed upon, manipulated, and/or assaulted, Freaknik is a reminder of pain, disappointment, sadness, and misplaced shame and guilt. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is a reminder that after their time at Freaknik, their lives were never the same again. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/04/survivor-spotlight-toni-d-rivera.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Survivor Spotlight: Toni D. Rivera, Human Trafficking Expert | WE Survive Abus</span></a></p><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkVhoBM_sJdGPqMgQo3YGGrPFDVNb2fNOjEy35wYKOpYFUeu3DrWxfJUDgWcWbn8ehqkwh7tKpGv2U_XMaWk1iCB-h114XNZVicV296ljIZ9oBymlMipQ_YAh_vzIOgI2Y26d0TS-pVoELaCtiPJOvVcdXM_BaCoq-XT3bDe_X_JhI85XIcblbBubXw/s1080/Not%20If%20you%20regularly%20sacrifice%20the%20happiness,%20joy,%20safety,%20&%20well-being%20of%20women%20&%20girls%20for%20men%20&%20boys.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkVhoBM_sJdGPqMgQo3YGGrPFDVNb2fNOjEy35wYKOpYFUeu3DrWxfJUDgWcWbn8ehqkwh7tKpGv2U_XMaWk1iCB-h114XNZVicV296ljIZ9oBymlMipQ_YAh_vzIOgI2Y26d0TS-pVoELaCtiPJOvVcdXM_BaCoq-XT3bDe_X_JhI85XIcblbBubXw/w640-h640/Not%20If%20you%20regularly%20sacrifice%20the%20happiness,%20joy,%20safety,%20&%20well-being%20of%20women%20&%20girls%20for%20men%20&%20boys.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyin3DttYSEjVEUkXnSPbypJ-mx3FDpYbHVbYSPvVVd90jjzv2xerIYshFNn5vuisGj2v_2UNjwwjK4KnKSZ79xDu1_sJplqQxGD1wuUln1v0lZ7x5NrPs1bu0NVT8DpCt-rhCNFVmN5YLZUE7coWwXMFS1wGKyVoK4BNSCqM6zlgGbz6R4x1fy2eEPQ/s1920/When%20the%20ambitions,%20goals,%20and%20dreams%20of%20women%20&%20girls%20are%20pushed%20aside%20in%20favor%20of%20male%20feelings......who%20benefits.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></a><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">We must approach this issue with sensitivity, respect, and a clear understanding of its impact on women of color. </span></span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We must listen to women and girls with concerns about their safety. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our concerns are valid, legitimate, and based on fact and history both.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In any space, any event, school, organization, corporation, or relationship where women's voices are not respected to speak on their own fears, concerns, and safety, ...a woman or child's safety is <b>at risk.</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKEoURczGhrGfl7rvEbZ3cK8rGqg7eRaPmYi8TO4p-5hITRqK18-Xibk0XVv5gRlRC8g0YZmopEh7E2t86qKab73zItT3m1rgSJ48jhYWGqIrbKiFYMzSnP-JOjENkL0-BATgaShww6zTw8dPEMXQ_BiC7mMd7V6QjE07VJ4u1InWkEFWs7mnVc4Weg/s1080/Women%20&.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKEoURczGhrGfl7rvEbZ3cK8rGqg7eRaPmYi8TO4p-5hITRqK18-Xibk0XVv5gRlRC8g0YZmopEh7E2t86qKab73zItT3m1rgSJ48jhYWGqIrbKiFYMzSnP-JOjENkL0-BATgaShww6zTw8dPEMXQ_BiC7mMd7V6QjE07VJ4u1InWkEFWs7mnVc4Weg/s320/Women%20&.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If we want safer festivals we have to change our ideas and practices around sexual violence. Only then can we work towards creating an environment in which everyone can enjoy these events safely and without fear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/04/exploring-dark-side-of-festivals.html">Exploring the Dark Side of Festivals: Uncovering the Reality of Sexual Violence in America (ebook) | WE Survive Abuse</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/04/sexual-assaults-at-american-festivals.html">Sexual Assaults at American Festivals: The 2000 Puerto Rican Parade | WE Survive Abuse</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2023/04/sexual-violence-at-american-festivals.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Sexual Violence at American Festivals: Woodstock 99 | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/05/only-freely-given-consent-is-consent.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Only Freely Given Consent, is Consent (video short) | WE Survive</span></a><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/05/only-freely-given-consent-is-consent.html"><span style="font-size: large;"> Abuse</span></a></p><p><a href="https://www.wesurviveabuse.com/2022/03/are-you-sure-you-are-listening-to-women.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Are You Sure That You Are Listening to Women and Girls? (audio & blog post) | WE Survive Abuse</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-63071932982380677842024-03-19T00:00:00.003-04:002024-03-25T09:41:20.936-04:00Learn the magic of belly dancing and how it’s a tool to heal trauma<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/cnbf0KHudhg?si=FYamfFuh0o3gr_fu" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-44165262069358233202024-03-19T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-22T23:42:33.632-04:00Chronic Pain: Common Symptoms Experienced by Child Sexual Abuse Survivor...<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/su8PkFRmGTs?si=9MRmgdYxX7qHYv-u" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-83047170141076855652024-03-18T21:14:00.009-04:002024-03-19T18:44:05.127-04:00Legal and Policy Rights: Surviving Abuse in the Modern Era (Current News)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy28PpUPwKnakre9PUM4TmWj3Tq5c2u8RniKam45wPg7rJod9YZvxhiCkgjkP19iCokgDTWBHVZc-0z2oZ_7EOLfLw8m7PywtqFl0TU3zSLMnidH3-YVRWhFlkwww6KX0dKSolJPJHTrtPl6aFLHGbYTjrjQksv9VAVpJhd9WLXBCPtqZ7xNAPAiPLwqd/s2688/Bare%20Assertions%20English%20Poster%20Colourful%20Illustrative.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy28PpUPwKnakre9PUM4TmWj3Tq5c2u8RniKam45wPg7rJod9YZvxhiCkgjkP19iCokgDTWBHVZc-0z2oZ_7EOLfLw8m7PywtqFl0TU3zSLMnidH3-YVRWhFlkwww6KX0dKSolJPJHTrtPl6aFLHGbYTjrjQksv9VAVpJhd9WLXBCPtqZ7xNAPAiPLwqd/w458-h640/Bare%20Assertions%20English%20Poster%20Colourful%20Illustrative.png" width="458" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<div data-elink="https://elink.io/embed/9d7d156"><a href="https://elink.io" target="_blank">elink.io</a> | <a href="https://elink.io/p/9d7d156" target="_blank">See Original</a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://d1sf3a4rercrry.cloudfront.net/embed.js"></script>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045175088277135304.post-3138326762043164142024-03-18T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-25T09:37:12.917-04:00Survivors Youtube 2014<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/AWLTAUHl4aE?si=LTqaDriGzeteaq7m" frameborder="0"></iframe>Tonya GJ Prince.......advocate/educator/Survivorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175565227999724629noreply@blogger.com0