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GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN OUR TOWN - By Chloe Jones and adapting to the things that happen around us. Misogyny and internalized misogyny has been taught to us since the day we could understand English, through forms of media especially, (tv, magazines, radio, movies) however, many girls report feelings of body shame and inequality in school, as young as 5. And although now as adults it is simple to see and feel how negative it is, we have been unfairly conditioned to this very black and white way of living forever.
Within Reading community bonds have become stronger and the sense of togetherness is growing. The work put in to make Reading a better and safer place to live is the interests of many. However our work cannot end here, gender-based violence still runs hidden on our streets, sometimes so hidden a victim cannot recognise it. It puts lives at risk and injects fear amongst our town. The first step to change & revolution is acknowledgment of the issue. By bringing this topic to the surface, refusing to ignore it, can act as cathartic healing for Reading’s trauma, create a conversation, starting a healing journey for many and prevent it from happening again. Of course it is not as simple as gender against gender. And although most victims of gender based violence are women being victimized by men, it is vital not to hate or discriminate against men as this counteracts our mission of equality and harmony. We are ever-evolving human beings, continuously learning
It is easier and human nature to put someone into a box with a name we are familiar with but this pulls us further away from being able to just accept someone for who they are. A heavily divided society is weaker and individuals may feel more lonely. Standing together & accepting differences, celebrating differences as opposed to letting them turn us against each other, may be the thing that saves us. However if you have ever felt that an experience or felt targeted because of your gender, it is important to feel validation that this is discrimination and as a town, we won’t stand for it. How to recognise Gender Based Violence To be able to recognise different types of gender based violence, so you are not left questioning whether your feelings of discrimination are valid; they are, and here is why - gender based violence can be distinguished in 5 interrelated types of violence; • Physical Violence • Verbal Violence • Psychological Violence
• Sexual Violence • Socio-economic Violence Domestic abuse and sexual harrassment both fall into categories of violence and often some or many can be present at once particularly in abusive relationships. All forms may be within someone’s private sphere (families and intimate relationships) or committed by strangers in public space or by organizations, institutions and states. Who Is A Victim Gender Based Violence Even though gender based violence can be experienced by anyone, there are more cases against women and girls victimized by men. In particular asylum hard to recognise as we live in a society that silences and gas-lights women. We have come a long way, but quite frankly we cannot stop here! Reading is seeking a revolution, change is needed, our safety must be prioritised and we must look out for each other, the hard to reach members of the community need to know what is available to them. Many services for refugees, asylum seekers, rape/sexual assault victims, victims of verbal abuse, sexual harrassment, domestic violence and injustices within a work environment too, here are services ready to help you. Reading Refugee Support Group: upholds the spirit of the The Refugee Convention of 1951, obligating the United Kingdom to protect and respect the rights of Refugees. Committed to reducing poverty, suffering and social isolation of people who have already faced unimaginable persecution and hardship. Info at info@rrsg.org.uk 01189505356 Alana House: We offer a confidential, women-only, non-
