Disruptors of Violence

Have you been paying attention to how quickly this world is becoming a very scary place to live?

People are under attack, especially women, children, and People of Color! Our lives and livelihood, and that of our families are in danger! Our right to be safe in our homes has been compromised and the possibility of us being abused, raped, or murdered in our homes is increasing!

Every nine seconds in the US, a woman is assaulted or beaten. Behind closed doors (and some not so closed), women and children are experiencing physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and spiritual abuse. 

Little girls (and boys) are being sexualized as young as four years old, touched inappropriately, or missing. Where are all the missing women and Children of Color, and why isn’t there an all-out cry of indignation, and a demand for answers and resolutions to prevent and end this outrage?

If your child is a little different or identified other than what someone deems as normal, they could be bullied, threatened, or killed, by strangers, peers, or family members. They are also subject to sexism, homophobia, transphobia, sizeism, and colorism, to name a few.

For years, people have been experiencing severe declines in their mental health. Resources for self-care have expanded, although they are still severely limited in certain communities, and zip codes. 

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), ER visits for suspected suicide attempts for girls 12-17 years old rose by 51% from early 2019 to early 2021. The rate is steadily increasing and suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people 15 – 24.

Once thought to be PTSD, we have come to understand we are really experiencing CTSD; “Continued Traumatic Stress Disorder.” 

Research has shown that the effects of chronic stress in childhood development can impact a child’s ability to learn new concepts and memory functions. Stress has been shown to have a negative impact on our professional and personal lives as well as manifest in physical, psychological, and emotional distresses (APA; American Institute of Stress, 2014).  

COVID-19 was a game-changer, devastating millions of people’s lives, none moreso than women and children. Women lost jobs faster than men, earning 83 cents for every dollar men make. Black women earn 64% and Latinas earn 57%.

Our children, families, and communities are hurting! There will be no big bail out for those with the greatest need. We must fund community-based non-profit organizations such as Positive Results Center which works to address these concerns from a cultural perspective and provide safe spaces for participants to: 

1) Feel supported;

2) Connect in a non-judgmental and safe environment; 

3) Cultivate leadership skills to uplift their voices; 

4) Explore how to make a positive impact in their communities; 

5) Reduce, prevent or stop violence and abuse; 

6) Complete school, develop into employable, contributing young adults; 

7) Become financially empowered; and 

8) Earn a living wage.

As Disruptors of Violence, we achieve these goals by working with people of all ages through programs such as:

• Art & Writing to Heal

A creative expression designed to help participants find the voice for their pain; identify and reflect on what has caused pain.

• Music & Movement Therapy

Historically used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation and has proven therapeutic effectiveness in promoting well-being, controlling pain, and neutralizing negative emotions.

Other programs include Mental Health Ambassadors, Peer Advocates, Nourishing Our Bodies, and Promoting Healthy Manhood. 

We need your support to create a world in which all people are safe and free from violence. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about the project of community healing.

Kandee Lewis is CEO of Positive results Center. Learn more at prc123.org.

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