Peace and Justice of La Luz

We have our booth again at the fair. This year we have several new volunteers and another speaker from LEAP.  The fair runs from August 11 through the 14th.  More info pending.

by Tina Godby-Ware, RN Otero/Lincoln Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program

The goal of sexual health promotion is to foster healthy relationships and comfort with sexuality. It is based on the premise that adults who are comfortable with their sexuality and at ease with open discussion of sexual issues will create a family environment that supports healthy sexual behavior and responsible sexual choices. Healthy sexuality is based on respect, value, honesty, and joy.

But first, we must work diligently to challenge the institutions and practices that uphold male domination, the powerlessness of children, the turning of sexuality into a commodity, and the glorification of violence and exploration of fellow human beings. Every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted. Only 83 percent of victims ever report this crime, with a large majority never telling anyone, allowing this silent epidemic to multiply and explode. The literature states that sexual violence is perhaps the most insidious manifestation of patriarchy, because it involves the corruption and distortion of that which is fundamental to our existence; our sexuality. (more…)

Link

Sky Yates (J.R. Oppenheim ADN)

Alamogordo Daily News
By Elva K. Österreich, Associate News Editor
04/07/2009

In an event designed to affirm the freedom of everyone in the community to not be sexually assaulted, the Take Back the Night Committee had more than 300 people marching in the sandy, windy evening of April 4.

With exhibits and events beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Tays Special Events Center, Take Back the Night offered 16 information tables, a self defense workshop, an art show and a poetry slam as precursors to a rally and march.

“For as crummy a weather as we had, I think the attendance was fabulous,” said Tina Godby-Ware, one of the organizers and a coordinator for the local Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. “I am thrilled with the response.”