#CommitmentToSurvivors, advocate for your sexual health, and insist on an assault weapons ban: Your civic action to-do list for 7-29-19
3. Support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. To truly address this epidemic, we need to elevate the unique needs of all survivors, including immigrant survivors, survivors with disabilities, survivors of color, Native American and Alaska Native survivors, survivors who are incarcerated, survivors of child sexual abuse, and LGBTQ survivors.
In a nutshell: Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) introduced S.Res.281/H.Res.514, which calls on Congress to forge an inclusive path forward in its legislative endeavors to end sexual violence. It emphasizes the importance of tackling this issue through an intersectional lens because of the many factors and experiences that precipitate such violence.
2. Sexual health is an important indication of overall health, but many cultural norms and barriers to care prevent women from receiving proper treatment for their sexual health concerns.
In a nutshell: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses various difficulties, including reduced desire or arousal, orgasmic disorder, and painful sex. Fear and systemic delegitimization often deter women from addressing these diagnosable medical conditions. It’s vital that women have access to nuanced sexual health education and providers receive training on how to help facilitate sexual health discussions.
Take Action: Speak up for your sexual health! Get informed if you experience unmet sexual concerns or discomfort, talk to a doctor about your symptoms, and don’t be afraid to share your story – your experience is legitimate and you’re not alone!
1. Weapons of war should have no place in our communities – especially when mass murderers continuously use them to terrorize schools, houses of worship, concerts, and festivals, as well as marginalized groups. In the wake of yesterday’s mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, the best thing we can do is take action and compel our elected officials to do the same.
In a nutshell: Only seven states and the District of Columbia have an assault weapons ban. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) introduced the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 (S.66/H.R.1296) to reinstate the federal ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This legislation will save lives.
Take Action: Urge your Senators to stand up for their constituents and support S.66/H.R.1296 – there is just no way to rationalize civilians buying or owning weapons of mass destruction.