Love shouldn’t hurt
- Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever
- Tuesday, 22 April 2025 07:29
The Myth of “Gray Rape”
by Teresia Smith
Recently, the term “gray rape” has surfaced in conversations about sex and consent. Some use this term to describe situations where one or both parties feel that something was wrong about a sexual encounter, but they hesitate to call it rape. However, this is not only harmful and misleading; it undermines a core principle that consent must be clear, mutual, and enthusiastic.
Media has coined the phrase “gray rape” to refer to sexual encounters that consent may not have been verbally denied, but it was not freely or enthusiastically given. Often, this happens when someone is pressured into sex, acting out of fear or obligation, or they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not capable of consent. As an advocate, I believe there is not a gray area at all. Any sexual activity without clear, mutual, enthusiastic consent is a violation.
Love shouldn’t hurt
- Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever
- Wednesday, 16 April 2025 08:16
Raising Awareness, Supporting Survivors, and Preventing Violence
by Teresia Smith
Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) serves as a vital time to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention efforts. As we recognize SAAM in 2025, the need for education, advocacy, and change remains as urgent as ever. This year’s theme, ““Together We Act, United We Change,”, highlights the importance of empowering individuals, educating communities, and taking action to prevent sexual violence.
Love shouldn’t hurt
- Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever
- Wednesday, 09 April 2025 09:34
You Can Make a Difference
by Teresia Smith
Sexual assault is generally a difficult subject for many people to talk or even think about. However, using statistics from the Department of Justice, it is a reality for the 433,000+ people who are sexually assaulted in the United States each year. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we strive to raise awareness of sexual assault in the U.S., so that people not only begin to think about sexual assault and its implications, but start doing something about it, as well. And guess what – You have the power to make a difference. Here are some ways you can help raise sexual assault awareness, support victims, and make a difference in your community.
Love shouldn’t hurt
- Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever
- Wednesday, 02 April 2025 08:43
What Are Glimmers?
by Teresia Smith
We often hear about “triggers”, which are things that evoke the memory of a traumatic experience, that set off an intense usually negative, emotional, or psychological response in people who have a history of trauma. Triggers can be people, sounds, smells, locations … pretty much anything that would bring back negative memories. Today, I want to introduce you to “glimmers”. Identifying glimmers can be super helpful in healing after a traumatic experience.
Love shouldn’t hurt
- Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever
- Monday, 24 March 2025 08:25
Helping Teens Navigate a Breakup
by Teresia Smith
Breaking up is never easy, especially for teenagers experiencing their first relationships. The emotional intensity of young love can make breakups feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, teens can learn to navigate this experience in a healthy and respectful way. Teaching your teen how to break up in a healthy way is an important life skill that will help them throughout life. The best thing we can do to help our teenagers cope with breakups is to be there for them – to listen, to offer comfort, and to remind them that they’re loved. Listen to your teenager express themselves and validate their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Be available and supportive, and offer helpful suggestions such as finding healthy ways to cope with their emotions. Below you will find some other tips:
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