Reflections of a Sexual Assault Intern: Megan’s Goodbye

Megan Breninger

 

If I had to describe my internship experience at the Center for Sexual Assault in one word, I would say that it was real. As someone who is very passionate about spreading awareness on the topic of sexual assault and advocating for survivors, I was very eager to get started. I quickly learned that supporting survivors means more than hosting events or doing presentations. The passion to support survivors is what fuels the in-between tasks like being on standby during hotline shifts, filing advocate documents, taking notes at outreach meetings, etc. These activities are ones that are not as hands-on, however are crucial to the center’s success. Without doing them, the center would be unable to function as smoothly and therefore the impact on survivors would be lessened.

 

Don’t get me wrong—I was presented with so many extraordinary opportunities that allowed me to gain experience as an advocate and an educator. I got the chance to hear survivor’s stories and learn more about the traumas they are healing from. I also got the chance to form relationships with community members from a different background than I, this helped me gain a new perspective on the different cultural norms and the hardships that these individuals are facing that I have never experienced myself. I learned the value in asking questions and how important it is to not live ignorantly.

 

From my experience as an intern, I gained an even bigger appreciation for the center’s advocates on staff. I was able to see how each one of them is unique in their way of assisting survivors and spreading knowledge. Some of the staff shared with me their own traumas which helped me to see how our own life experiences shouldn’t be a means of defining us, but instead should be seen as something that strengthens someone’s capacity for the work they are doing.

 

My internship experience was real because it truly showed me what it takes to make a difference. While the center alone cannot create a world free of sexual assault, I am so thankful for their commitment to survivors and for the impactful work they do for our community. I plan to always use this experience within my future career and everyday life, and hopefully those who share the center’s vision will take the initiative to become more involved, expand on their knowledge, spread awareness, fight against rape culture, and advocate for survivors.

 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in volunteering or becoming an intern for the NWA Center for Sexual Assault, contact us and we’ll send you the information needed to take the first step.

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By Naomi Cook, Guest Contributor • March 30, 2023
Located in Pasadena, TX, is the Pasadena Jail, and on this page , you can know how many inmates stay out their full terms in prison or be held temporarily until they are routed to another prison in the state. One of the biggest concerns and approaches that Pasadena Jail staff is taking in recent years is the statistics surrounding prison inmates and reducing sexual assault at their facility, and the role of prison staff in preventing sexual assault at Pasadena Jail for it is crucial. It is essential for staff to create a culture of zero-tolerance for sexual assault and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. By actively working to prevent sexual assault, prison staff can create a safer environment for inmates and ensure that justice is served.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline estimates that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence. That is roughly 33.3% and 25%, respectively. If so many people in our community are being affected by domestic violence, then why aren’t we talking about it? Although Black people are disproportionately affected by this detrimental disease, it has somehow become ingrained in the very root of our cultural identity. Every day there are media headlines being posted on social media about celebrity couples engaging in physical violence. Rap songs are glorifying toxic masculinity including the oversexualization and objectification of women. Even frustrated parents are turning to physical punishments to discipline their children. In August 2022, rapper Blueface and his girlfriend, Chrisean Rock, got into a physical altercation in Los Angeles. This incident took the media by storm. Thousands upon thousands of people flooded comment sections with jokes and memes, essentially making light of the situation. Many may think of the story as comical, but domestic violence is never funny. It is a community issue that has plagued Black families for generations. The reason that this issue continues to permeate is due to the lighthearted way that Black people discuss serious topics. Statistically, we face higher cases of poverty, racism, low educational attainment, and domestic violence. This is likely due to the historical context in which Black people have existed in this country. When you live in a country where racism and sexism are rooted in the cultural context and institutional processes, it can make other issues seem less important or less dire, but domestic violence is indeed life or death. By having open dialogue and calling out problematic comments and jokes, we can start to make positive changes in our community and ensure the success of future generations. Disagreeing with your significant other is a normal part of any healthy relationship. However, name-calling, intimidation, stalking, sexual violence, physical violence, financial abuse, and emotional abuse are not. You are deserving of healthy, honest, and stable relationships free from the ugliness and toxicity of abuse. Let’s change the conversation and bring awareness to domestic violence and sexual assault. If you or someone you love are in an unhealthy relationship, please consider asking for help. To learn more about domestic violence visit: http://thehotline.org/

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