Domestic Violence

By, Maureen Abhulimen

"Anyone can be the target of sexual abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual history, or social class." - Maureen Abhulimen

On May, 14th 2022, Firm voice hosted an inauguration ceremony. One of the main topics was abuse, where the speaker Maureen Abhulimen (Founder of firm voice foundation) talked about the meaning of sexual abuse. As she stated. “Sexual abuse is not only when there is sexual penetration, forced, pain, or touching someone without consent. It also includes when someone engages in any sexual behaviour (looking, showing, or touching) somebody to meet the other person's interest or sexual needs.” As a community it is important that we do not undermine sexual abuse, as the speaker stated, it does not have to be touching, or doing things to someone whether as a joke or not whilst knowing that the said person is uncomfortable is not okay. She also clarified that sexual abuse is not native to a singular demographic and the perpetrators are not always strangers “Anyone can be the target of sexual abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual history, or social class.

People get abused by the person they know and trust. This means that most abusers may either be immediate family members (parents/siblings) or other close relatives (uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins).”

After identifying what sexual abuse is, She goes on to reveal what Firm Voice Foundation does to aid those who may have been affected by sexual abuse, her main points were:

· To help to identify victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

· We offer a safe space for them to speak out.

· We let victims know that someone believes their stories.

· We Provide counselling, training, seminars, orientation etc.

· We organize summer programs, extracurricular activities, after-school programs etc.

· We help with food and material items for victims as well as provide legal assistance.

At the end of it all, she gave a reassuring statement saying “I want to let you know that Firm Voice Foundation is here to render help and services to everyone that may need our assistance.

If you are going through any form of abuse or violence, or you know anyone in such a situation, please come to us and we will provide all the necessary assistance.”