Awake’s Post

After rescue, healing can begin. With your support in 2023, IJM supported 136 survivors on a journey of healing. And as survivors experience restoration, they can thrive in their communities and become influential voices leading the fight against violence. Amaragiri is a shining example of what’s possible when communities are protected by their justice systems and survivors are equipped with the resources they need to thrive. Read more stories of restoration in our Impact Report available now. https://ow.ly/5AWV50SZGIm

I am writing this post with a heavy heart and a profound sense of sorrow and anger. This year, 49 INNOCENT women and 9 INNOCENT children have lost their lives to violence in Australia. These are not just numbers; they are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and children who have had their futures STOLEN from them. The shock of these tragedies reverberates through our communities, leaving us grappling with a mixture of grief and rage. How is it possible that in a society that prides itself on values of equality and safety, so many lives are brutally cut short by violence? The shame we feel as a nation should be a catalyst for change, yet it seems we are perpetually trapped in a cycle of inaction and complacency! How many more lives need to be lost before we see meaningful reform? How many more families need to be shattered before we hold perpetrators accountable and prioritise the safety of women and children? We CANNOT remain silent. We must channel our anger into action, our sorrow into solidarity. Escabags stands resolute in our mission to support those fleeing abuse, but we cannot do it alone. We need everyone - individuals, communities, and governments, to stand with us and demand an end to this epidemic of violence. We owe it to the 49 women and 9 children whose lives were brutally taken. We owe it to every survivor who lives in fear. And we owe it to ourselves to build a society where safety is a right, not a privilege. It's time for change. And it starts with us…

Today is National Sorry Day. On 26 May 1997, the landmark Bringing Them Home report was tabled in federal parliament. The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May the following year to commemorate its anniversary and to remember the grief, suffering, and injustice experienced by the Stolen Generations. It is a day that we can come together as a country to acknowledge the past with empathy, paving the path towards healing and reconciliation in the healing process for the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their family and communities' collective history and the strength of Stolen Generation survivors and to reflect on how we can all assist in healing. Clear Horizon recognises the trauma on survivors and the ongoing impacts on subsequent generations. We urgently need to heal past wrongs—for the well-being of those who were stolen, their descendants who have inherited their trauma, their communities who continue to hurt, and Australia as a nation. Visual by: The Healing Foundation #SorryDay #Reconciliation #NationalSorryDay #UluruStatement #BringingThemHome #ReconciliationWeek

💜 Violet June - WORLD DAY OF AWARENESS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST THE ELDERLY. Violet June is an awareness campaign that takes place during the month of June, on the 15th, dedicated to combating violence against the elderly. The color violet symbolizes the dignity, respect and appreciation of the elderly in society. The aim of this initiative is to alert the public to the different types of abuse that the elderly can suffer, including physical, psychological, financial violence and neglect. In addition to raising awareness in society, June Violet seeks to promote the creation of public policies and effective actions to protect the rights of the elderly, encouraging complaints and promoting support for victims of violence. Taking part in this campaign is an important step towards ensuring that older people have a safe, respectful and quality life. Report it ❗

"🕊️ In a world where the path can easily be lost, the Power of Peace Project stands as a beacon of hope. In this heartfelt 5-minute video, Kit Cummings opens up about the mission to transform lives and guide teenagers away from violence and despair. 🔦 Highlighting the recent tragedy at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, GA, Cummings demonstrates the urgent need for interventions like the Protect The Dream initiative. ☮ The Power of Peace Project isn't just about preventing the next tragedy; it's about empowering our youth to dream, to lead, and to thrive. Through real-life stories, we see the potential for change, the promise of a brighter future, and the power of peace to heal and redirect lives. 🔗 Join us in this crucial conversation, and discover how we can all be part of the solution. Together, we can protect dreams and foster a world where peace prevails. #PowerOfPeace #ProtectTheDream #HopeAfterTragedy"

The list of questions swirling around my head re: Haiti's situation How are we protecting families & children in this crisis? After the crisis? Is this a civil war? With so much human rights abuse and trauma taking place in Haiti what will the recovery capital look like post conflict? How will people heal socially, culturally, physically? If it really takes 3 generations to heal from genocide-like national trauma how will our work include, prepare and accelerate tactics for healing, resiliency and recovery capital for Haiti.

Today, on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, YOU can join the fight by: 1. Educating yourself and others about the signs of human trafficking, how to report it and how to support survivors. 2. Wear blue today to raise awareness. 3. Support anti-trafficking organizations like Crisis Aid! Find out how you can partner with us at crisisaid.org/safe and for resources or help go to ussafe.org.

Every child deserves a safe and happy childhood. Each year, one billion boys and girls are victims of violence, robbing them of their innocence and leaving lifelong scars. Violence erodes every investment that families, communities and governments make in children, from their education to their mental and physical health. Damaging the childhoods of today and societies of tomorrow. But solutions exist, and we are the first generation with the power, and knowledge, to ensure every child is protected. This November, the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children takes place. A responsibility and opportunity to deliver change. On behalf of the one billion children affected by violence, we urgently call on world leaders to participate and pledge actions to keep every child safe. Childhood is in our hands. The power to act is now in yours. Read more about the campaign and check out how you can make a difference here: https://lnkd.in/d-39n2cS

I grew up on "summer missions," heading anywhere from my state to other countries. As is true with many ministry leaders, I can trace some of my early stirrings toward ministry from these very events. They were truly impactful. At the same time, I had little thought to the impact they would have on those we served. I assumed unequivocal good, aligned with my good intentions. As I've grown and learned and reflected and been challenged, I've come to understand that short-term mission trips come with the potential for great good and tremendous harm. However, it is possible to plan wisely and well, to protect and empower the very people we hope to benefit. Learn how here:

🌿 In the tapestry of human struggles, healing and wellbeing emerge as vital threads, weaving resilience and resistance against the backdrop of violence and trauma. At Grassroots International, we understand healing not merely as an individual journey, but as a collective defiance against systemic injustices. As we step into April, marking Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we stand in solidarity with communities globally in their collective responses to gender-based violence, and all forms of violence, centering the voices and experiences of survivors. From Palestine to Puerto Rico, from Honduras to Haiti, our work intersects with diverse movements, echoing a universal call for healing justice. Join us in this journey of resistance, renewal, and radical healing. Together, we can foster a future where every voice is heard, every trauma is acknowledged, and every soul finds solace in the embrace of collective care. #HealingAsResistance #SurvivorLedHealing #SolidarityInAction