By Kayla Rowe, See the Triumph Guest Blogger      

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) comes to a close, it is important to remember that being educated and aware of domestic violence and prevention for it should remain in the forefront year-round, although April allows the topic to be truly magnified. SAAM is an annual campaign that urges community-based organizations, government agencies, crisis centers, individuals and so many more outlets to plan events that will educate and inform the world on the issue of sexual violence and continue making strides towards prevention efforts.

But, although sexual assault is the main topic during this time, child abuse is also a still very much stigmatized topic that many are often nervous to confront. Confronting the topic means confronting the reality that this type of abuse is real and happening in our own communities. Bringing awareness to this can not only begin the movement towards erasing the silence surrounding the matter but can potentially save some children from thinking that they need to normalize what happens to them or keep quiet to avoid mockery or skepticism.

For decades, this month, annually, people worldwide have been doing just that regarding sexual violence. This month can also stand as a reminder that abuse comes in different forms and all are equally necessary to address and prevent. Let us all do our part to end the stigma surrounding such types of violence and abuse and continue to educate ourselves and others!

Kayla Rowe recently received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. She is currently living in Greenville, North Carolina, and plans to attend graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling with hopes to one day become a school guidance counselor for high school students.

By Eileen Martin, See the Triumph Contributor
 
As a survivor, I understand the dynamics behind dysfunction and abuse, and most importantly, I know that our past does not have to define us.  It is my mission, and my passion, to go forth and help others help themselves. I like to call this planting seeds.
 
Having the opportunity to view life differently through the lens of a survivor rather than a victim, I have spent a great deal of time contemplating the seeds I would like to plant in order to connect and engage with other survivors. It is also important for me to plant seeds of what domestic violence looks like so that someone can recognize the signs and walk away from a potential abusive relationship.
 
These things I know for sure:
 
You can learn to love and respect yourself. Though this journey is often fraught with obstacles because your self-worth has been beaten down and loving yourself was not an option, with support from a counselor you can redefine yourself on your terms. You are reclaiming your power, and from my experience, this is an amazing feeling. Be curious about what makes you happy.
 
You are strong. You have survived violence, you have survived psychological warfare, you have been put down, told you are worthless and unlovable, yet here you stand. When you feel like you do not have the strength to move forward, remember that you can choose your path now, you are in the drivers seat. At first this may feel scary, but start with small steps like choosing what you will have for breakfast, or whether or not you will answer a phone call. Recognize that you have the power to choose!
 
Not everyone will respect your journey, and that is okay. Change is hard; many people do not like change for themselves and also do not like to see change in others. Some will work really, really hard to change you back when you attempt to hold a boundary or choose a different, healthier journey. I liken this to the crab pot mentality where “If I can’t have it, neither can you.” You are working to climb out of a pot, to achieve freedom, mental health, and fulfillment, yet you are being grabbed and pulled on by those who may be afraid because you are shining a light onto something they do not want or refuse to see. You may have to walk away from those who do not have your best interest at heart. This is really hard when people you love and care about do not understand what you are trying to escape. You may hear things like “well he/she is such a nice guy, he can’t be that bad” and “you married him, didn’t you?” Remember, it is not your job to convince others, but to recognize your truth and climb out of that crab pot.