Bushra Apa LLC’s Post

We don't always talk about the impact on families of human trafficking victims. Yes, familial trafficking is very much real. But I am not talking about family members who exploit another family member. But what about the impact on family members walking through the trauma with a loved one or waiting for a loved one to escape or exit their abuse? And then consider the lack of resources available to those family members. There is an ever present need for more resources to be made available to trafficking victims but also resources made available to family members as well. Family members can also be human trafficked, especially in forced labor exploitation. The need for resources always seems to be in short supply for victims and we must do better. As an anti-trafficking movement, we need to discuss the impact on families more and provide additional resources for family members. Here is an example of children of "sex workers," as the article describes, and the impact on the children growing up exposed to this lifestyle. https://lnkd.in/eSjkHkjh

If you find it frustrating when people talk about 'privilege' and feel your hard-earned achievements need defending, this post is for you 💜 TRIGGER WARNING - This post contains material of a highly sensitive nature, including self-harm, abuse, drug addiction, and sexual violence. #privilege #whiteprivilege #blacklivesmatter #blackhistorymonth #racism #ableism #sexism #cis #lgbtqia #transrights #queer #adhd #adhdawareness #disabilityawareness #metoo #domesticviolenceawareness #abusesurvivor #harassment #rapesurvivor #drugaddiction #selfharmrecovery #defensive #obstacles #feminism #whitewomen #triggerwarning https://lnkd.in/e-Q-zk2Z

Have you ever felt disconnected from the person you see in the mirror? Understanding your true gender identity can be a profound journey of self-discovery and pride. From recognizing signs and feelings of being trans to exploring different pronouns and expressions, it's all an important part of the process. Dive into our latest blog post to explore these topics, find support, and embrace your authentic self. 🌈✨ https://lnkd.in/endeyRdx #tobybarrontherapy #burbank #psychotherapy #GenderIdentity #TransJourney #SelfDiscovery #TransgenderSupport

"You'll wake up, don your armor (aka suit and tie), grab your trusty sidekick (that cute mug), and dash to the office. Once you've locked yourself in, you'll indulge in a secret morning ritual: pretending to pleasure yourself (ahem, coffee breaks are essential, right?). All this, before your work colleagues arrive and the charade of productivity begins." In Uganda, like many African countries, there are several issues related to sex that are considered taboo or culturally sensitive, making them difficult to discuss openly: Taboo 1; Sexual pleasure, Focus is on reproduction, not pleasure. Discussing sexual satisfaction or pleasure is seen as inappropriate... if a friend opens up to you about sexual displeasure you will probably throw it at them asking how they have no pleasure yet they have a certain number of babies, dah! Taboo 2; Sexual orientation, shhhhh....Homosexuality is stigmatized, and discussing LGBTQ+ issues is often met with hostility... I will leave this one for another day cos mehhhn I do have alot to say on it alone! Taboo 3; Sexual health, even with works of bodies like #Marie Stopes, topics like STIs, condoms, and family planning are often whispered about, not openly discussed. Until you see especially ladies walking around with canulars in their arms from avoidable UTI cos probably no one told them how dangerous douching is... Taboo 4 and one that has seen even the very elite take part in concealing truths is Sexual violence_: Rape, incest, and sexual assault are underreported due to stigma and fear of judgment. I have friends that have confided in me about how their own Fathers raped them and how their mothers sealed off the Truths. The fear in this is; 1. the woman will be judged cos if the man sought out her daughter for sexual pleasure, it would be her fault 2. the woman will be judged by society for shaming her husband, she has to protect the family name 3. the sacrificial lamb, who in this case is your daughter is a "woman" so, she may have had a part in her abuse! like how sick can we be! so hush hush! all these cases never see light of day. Taboo 5; Infertility, Oh this silent killer!.Here in Africa! Childlessness is seen as a curse, making it hard for couples to discuss openly. I know relatives that will want you spitting to show that you are with child soon as you are wed, 6 months pass and if there is no bulge on a woman, they will ask! worse even! send you herbs to remedy the situation. I know relatives that will suggest a spouse swap if kids are not coming in a year of union.They will throw hot babes at boy child and forget that the woman too is suffering from that shadow of Childlessness. We don't even have room to appreciate that a couple can live happily without really bringing child birth in the mix! I mean, there is much more to an individual walking this earth than being a child bearer so, tell me your thoughts on this.... time to be real!

Recognizing that being trans is about identity and not choice is key. For children exploring their gender identity, it's important to remember this doesn't predetermine their sexual orientation. Embracing their authentic self is what matters most. 🌈 Need guidance on this journey? I'm here to offer support for you and your family. https://lnkd.in/gtMba9Fq #tobybarrontherapy #burbank #psychotherapy #SupportingTrans #EmbraceIdentity

ADOLESCENT LOVE:- This is a very pertinent question that I have many a time during my research on adolescent health risk behavior grappled with. That if the consensual sexual relationship between an adolescent ( less than 18) and one in tender youth age (in numerical terms like 18+) should be legally punished as harshly (like under POCSO) as it is in a case of someone of 35 or 40 years old. Adolescence is an age of experimentation and realization. It has to be nurtured delicately. It is an age when the child (both male and female) has less experience but expects social recognition as an adult who has grown up, can take independent decisions, can take risks and responsibilities and many more. A pre-marital sexual relationship is taboo, however, at the same time societal morality is contextual, it needs a rethink when a requirement arises.... may be we need to accommodate our children rather by introducing better socialization, sex education etc when we are worried about their safety and security. We need to realise that we are those who are minimum at a long 15 years gap with respect to our adhered social norms and values than those young people.... regarding something which is complex cognitive and instinctual... And we are stubborn from the legal point of view, being harsh guardians, we have not been successful in preventing such acts and incidences, rather it has risen manyfold bringing several adversities to our children. I find the proposition shared in the news piece needs serious thought. N.B. Some countries have already recognized upto 22 years as an extended adolescence. https://lnkd.in/dC2PF77G

For over 25 years, I’ve been breaking taboos and shattering stigmas. I began speaking openly about topics that society often frowns upon, and my journey continues to evolve. I believe that starting a conversation is the first step toward dismantling judgment and fostering understanding. Through these conversations, I’ve learned that when we speak our truth, we empower others to do the same. Over the years, I’ve become a confidant to many who feel they have no one else to turn to. By addressing topics others shy away from, I’ve created a platform where people feel safe, heard, and accepted. To strengthen this mission, I founded Hugging Club of India (HCI), a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Here, people from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, and find support without fear of judgment. This community is built on the principles of empathy, connection, and mutual respect. In the LGBTQ+ community, there are so many issues that remain hidden in silence—drug addiction, sex addiction, porn addiction, mental health struggles, loneliness, and societal pressures, to name a few. These are often considered ‘hush-hush’ topics, but ignoring them only deepens the problem. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to bring them to light, starting conversations that spark awareness and healing. Breaking taboos is not easy, but it’s necessary. Every conversation we have is a step closer to reducing stigma and creating a more accepting world. Are you searching for a safe space to share and be heard? Join us this Wednesday as we come together to connect, heal, and break one taboo at a time. Let’s start the conversations that matter—because change begins with us. Location and Social Media Links In Comments. #BreakTaboosTogether #ChangeStartsWithUs #LGBTQSupport #MentalHealthMatters #AddictionAwareness #HealingTogether #RecoveryJourney #SpeakYourTruth

#JudgmentDayJusticeForgivness Today's world faces significant turmoil as conflicts result in widespread suffering. Compounding this crisis is the exploitation of human life under the guise of "sexual freedom." This concept, often linked to pornography, leads to the trafficking and abuse of individuals, including children. The normalization of pornography by consuming it only perpetuates this cycle of exploitation and harm. Pornography addiction starts with children as young as nine, who are exposed to harmful content that fosters unhealthy behaviors and addiction. This early exposure has long-term effects on mental and emotional development, creating deeply ingrained issues that persist into adulthood worsening with each generation. Sex addictions brings about isolation, anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors, fueling a surge in substance abuse—drugs and alcohol—which exacts a heavy toll, claiming millions of lives and perpetuating further cycles of addiction. This so-called "sexual freedom" comes with significant costs: soaring STD rates and staggering healthcare expenses—billions spent annually on STD prevention and treatment. Additionally, billions are spent on the unjust abortion of 40 million unborn babies each year, with 80% attributed to unplanned pregnancies resulting from casual sex. Our moral compass appears shattered. We ban cigarettes, but we celebrate sexual freedom, ignoring the mental and physical health-devastating effects. We chase unchecked sexual liberties. We are grooming children as young as nine, and millions glorify sexual freedoms in the streets. It is only a matter of time before the story of Sodom and Gomorrah comes alive, where not only adults but both young and old demanded to satisfy their sexual appetites. This societal shift will/has transformed our world into a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah, where moral decay runs rampant. The Bible's warnings of societal consequences for turning away from God seem eerily prophetic in today's context. Equally, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah warns that such a society was on the brink of judgment, so it is time to wake up. God is eager to be slow in His judgment, but His forgiveness is swift and sure for those who seek it. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ His death on the cross, He took upon Himself the penalty for humanity’s sins, offering forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. This sacrifice provides a means for individuals and society to be reconciled with God, regardless of past actions. Embracing this grace brings not only spiritual salvation but also mental, physical, and spiritual healing. Today, we are called to seek forgiveness, embrace Jesus as our Savior, and turn away from wrongdoing. In doing so, we can begin to restore our moral compass and find true freedom and healing.

Pinning It On the One Who Said No: 'The extremely shocking nature of the Pelicot case has made a deep impression, revealing the pervasiveness of rape culture in our society to the broader public.' The weight of holding responsibility for perpetrators by women predominantly but also children, in being disbelieved as a rule, is to evade shame. Shame is an energy that is sticky and in order to avoid it, responsibility is shunned. We need to find responsible justice so that courts are not 'pinning it on the one who said no.' This is something my child said to me, and in his infinite wisdom, made clear the pattern.' French mass rape trial 'shows the extent to which sexual violence is integrated in our society' A set of myths exist about rape, rapists and victims which prevents us from considering the diversity of situations of sexual violence, writer Noémie Renard told Le Monde. Interview by Manon Duboc https://lnkd.in/eaYtf4Ry 'The term "rape culture" is often misunderstood. What is cultural about rape? The term "culture" refers to everything that is shared by the members of a society: Beliefs, traditions, laws, representations, ways of relating to others, types of organization. This notion therefore assumes that the massive presence of sexual violence and the impunity of aggressors are by no means "natural," but result from a collective imagination, cultural representations and the presence of power relationships that structure society (men-women, adults-children, organization at work, in the family). Rape culture refers to all the stereotypes and social facts that encourage sexual violence and prevent it from being identified as such once the act has been committed, by passing it off as "normal" sexual relations." https://lnkd.in/eaYtf4Ry

I am glad that my nineteenth paper, "Community Case Studies: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of sexual abuse in urban Chennai," has been published in Frontiers in Psychology. This paper is part of the edited collection "Gender, sex and Sexuality" and was fully funded by VIT Chennai. #FrontiersinPsychology #VITChennai