Rosy Wellness’ Post

"Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a hidden form of violence against women (Easteal & McOrmond-Plummer, 2006). While the most extreme manifestation of this violence is rape and sexual assault, women can experience a range of more complex and subtle behaviors, including the use of coercion, threats, or blackmail to obtain sexual acts; forced consumption of pornography; and reproductive abuse (Bagwell-Gray et al., 2015; Tarzia, Wellington, et al., 2018)... Consequently, studies show that IPSV can lead to more severe mental health outcomes for women than other types of SV (Tarzia, Thuraisingam, et al., 2018). IPSV is also associated with a higher risk of homicide than other types of violence (Campbell & Soeken, 1999), as well as with unwanted pregnancies (Basile et al., 2018)."

Celebrating World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) 2024 On September 4th, we celebrate WSHD with the theme "Positive Relationships" Picture a world where conversations about sexual health are open and inclusive, embracing not just the physical aspects but also the spiritual and mental dimensions. It’s crucial to advance sexual health and rights (SRHR) by expanding sexual health education, challenging cultural taboos, improving access to healthcare, and advocating for supportive policies. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can experience their sexual health and rights with dignity and respect. As we celebrate this day, We also pause to address a pressing issue. Sexual abuse and violence against women and girls are alarmingly prevalent, and it’s crucial to confront and condemn these abuses. In memory of seven-year-old girl Heaven Awot, who was sexually assaulted and brutally killed, and in honor of countless other girls who have suffered, we reaffirm our commitment to change. Heaven's story underscores the urgent need for safer, more respectful world where every individual's sexual health and rights are honored and protected, ensuring a future of respect and safety for all. #WorldSexualHealthDay

Have you ever wondered why you are attracted to some people and not others? Why do you choose one person over another when looking for a partner? The answer is simple: You exhibit sexual discrimination. In this blog post, I delve into how our sexual discrimination is shaped by evolution, biological, and psychological factors. Substack: https://lnkd.in/dMywufVx Medium: https://lnkd.in/d49Mq5DF

In honor of #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth, I wanted to share my latest blog post discussing book bans targeting content about sexual violence. Censoring content about sexual violence only serves to silence important discussions and perpetuate harmful misconceptions. Let's work towards creating a safe and open environment for survivors to share their stories and for students to learn about this issue. As I wrote, when we ban books on these topics, "[w]e prevent addressing what we need to change as individuals and as a society to end sexual violence. And this means that more kids will get hurt, and more survivors will feel alone."  https://lnkd.in/eMQ58z6Y

On the eve of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we reflect on the UN's ambitious target: the eradication of FGM by 2030. With significant strides made and a global reduction in prevalence, the role of survivor-led movements is more pivotal than ever. As sexual health professionals, our advocacy must be unwavering in support of these initiatives. Tomorrow, let us join hands with the UN and the global community to protect genital autonomy and champion the rights of girls and women. Your support today contributes to a future free from FGM. #EndFGM #HerVoiceHerFuture #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

✨ New Publication Alert! ✨ I’m thrilled to share that I am an author on a newly published research article titled, "Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in Young to Middle Adulthood: Associations With Respondent Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Partner Gender." 🌍🖤 In this study, we (me + an amazing team at UNC 🩵🐐) use data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to explore intimate partner violence (IPV) across self-reported gender and sexual identities, uncovering complex relationships between IPV experiences and who and what we decide to embody in this world. As we dissect data in public health, certain truths become undeniable. In addition to “race”…gender and sexual identity deeply shape how we navigate love, harm, survival, and most importantly…safety. Our findings shed light on how diverse-sexual folx in this country are disproportionately affected by IPV. For me, this work is more than just numbers though. It always is. It’s a call to action for equity, safety, and liberation for the panoply of our nation’s most vulnerable populations. As someone committed to understanding and discussing how we dismantle, repair, and co-create safe and engaging environments, I know these findings ripple beyond statistics, connecting to a broader discourse on the struggles for freedom, fighting state and political violence, health, and well-being. We must create pathways that protect our communities and provide spaces for healing and dignity. Together…in every little step we take…I hope for a world where we move towards a future where (as scholar/activist Angela Davis said) we stop “un-people-ing” people and a nation where our communities thrive, free from abuse, toxic patterns, inaccessibility, and injustice. Happy reading, y’all. 👉🏾 [https://lnkd.in/eYS3DAiv] #research #IPV #violenceprevention #publichealth #liberation #healthequity #storytelling #phdjourney 

This week the Australian government launched a website to support parents in engaging in dialogue around consent with their children. https://lnkd.in/gdTKMq4S For teenagers, discussing consent that involves respect, equality and personal rights can help to: -Increase their knowledge and help them build healthy relationship skills.   -Reduce dating and intimate partner violence. -Delay the first sexual experience until they’re ready. -Support positive mental health, social interactions, positive attitudes and behaviours. -Provide them with skills and awareness before they encounter sexual content online. Navigating conversations about consent with our children can feel daunting, but it's an important part of raising informed and respectful individuals. As educators, we understand these discussions can be awkward and challenging, but starting with simple age-appropriate questions at those key moments can be helpful. It may be when you hear a news report or an open conversation, you may ask  “What do you think about that?” or  “Do you have a plan in your mind when it comes to consent?” or  “What do you think a healthy and safe relationship feels like?”   In the younger years, everyday conversations can make a big difference. Start by using simple language and relatable scenarios to illustrate the concept of consent. For example, ask your child if they'd like a hug before giving one, or ask them if it’s okay to share a photo of them on social media. By instilling this understanding early on, we equip them with the tools to navigate relationships with confidence and respect. Remember, you don't have to have all the answers. It's okay to admit when you're unsure or uncomfortable—it shows your child that it's normal to feel that way. And if you're unsure how to approach a certain topic, there are plenty of resources available to help guide you. https://lnkd.in/gpt8gATQ Creating an environment where our children feel safe asking questions and sharing their thoughts and feelings and letting them know that you're here to support them no matter what, empowers our children to navigate the complexities of relationships with confidence, respect, and understanding. #consent #respectfulrelationships

Today, is World Sexual Health Day. The WSHD theme is Positive Relationships. It is so important to talk about healthy relationships and the differences between a friendship and a romantic relationship. We can all benefit from learning how to have positive people in our lives#wshd #worldsexualhealthday2024

We recently posed a thought-provoking question: Does a 5-year-old have the right to choose a sexual partner? We understand that childhood and adolescent sexuality is a sensitive and often contentious topic. This is why we approach these discussions with intellectual rigor, advocating for the health, rights, and well-being of children and adolescents in a way that protects their best interests. See our response in the form of a slide presentation for more insights.