An alarming rise in the prevalence of sexual assault against women, children and members of the LGBTQ+ community in British Columbia is proving to be an important issue. These groups are disproportionately affected, often enduring not only physical and emotional trauma but also significant barriers to reporting incidents and accessing support services.

Recognizing the need to address these pressing issues, Sherry organized her second open discussion seminar with Manijeh Ghaffari, a therapist and educator specializing in sexual violence. Manijeh provided some additional insights into the previous session. As an expert in this field, she highlights key topics during the seminar, such as the systemic challenges survivors face, the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure, and the specific vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. She emphasizes, "It's critical to understand that cultural and social stigmas often prevent victims from seeking help. We must work together to dismantle these barriers.

Sherry asks insightful questions to guide the discussion, including, How can we better support survivors in our communities, especially those from marginalized groups?" Manijeh responds Support begins with education and awareness. We must educate ourselves on the unique challenges these groups face, offer non-judgmental listening, and advocate for accessible resources tailored to their needs. Cultural sensitivity is key to making survivors feel safe and understood.

Sherry also stresses the importance of community involvement, saying, "Creating awareness is just the first step; we must also commit to action and advocacy.

The audience is deeply engaged, with participants sharing diverse perspectives. One attendee notes, "The fear of not being believed is a significant hurdle for many survivors, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community." Another adds, "We need more education around the specific challenges children face in reporting abuse.

A third participant points out, "Breaking the silence is essential, especially in cultures where discussing sexual violence is taboo. This seminar has given us the tools to start those conversations.

Manijeh added " Women are often targeted because of deep-rooted gender inequalities and power imbalances. It's important to recognize that violence against women isn't just physical; it can be emotional, psychological, and economic as well. We must challenge societal norms that perpetuate this violence and advocate for stronger protections, support systems, and legal frameworks to ensure that all women can live free from fear and harm.

By fostering open dialogue and understanding, Sherry and Manijeh aim to build a community that stands united against sexual violence, ensuring that all survivors have the support they need.

Guest Speaker:

Manijeh Ghaffari: Therapist and public educator

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society