Sexual violence against women is widespread and is increasingly recognized as an important issue in social policy. While the contexts may differ, sexual violence is common, sexual violence starts early, and sexual violence remains highly stigmatized in all settings. As they continue to nurture their children through pre-adolescence, adolescence, and into adulthood, mothers can stand with their daughters against sexual violence and welcome them into a powerful community of women. But this takes work—there’s no doubt about it. Here’s how mothers can empower their daughters against sexual violence.
- Educate yourself about sexual violence.
One of the most useful steps a mother can take to help their child is to educate herself about sexual violence by learning the facts and the prevalence. With this information, you may gain confidence in supporting your child through a variety of sensitive questions or situations that may arise. It is also critical to develop a shared, common language for trauma terms.
- Promote social norms that protect against violence.
Social norms can affect nearly any aspect of our lives. They contribute to our clothing choices, how we speak, and our beliefs about certain social issues. They also shape the likelihood of sexual violence and harassment. People who commit sexual violence rationalize their actions with belief in inequality and oppressive attitudes and systems. Mothers can endorse interventions that challenge cultural and social norms supportive of sexual violence. This can be as simple as privately asking a friend not to make inappropriate comments.
- Give them control.
Mothers should allow their daughters to have as much control as possible over the decisions which are made about them. Any amount of control and agency that can be given to people in response to sexual violence is going to be beneficial to rehabilitating their power.
- Create protective environments.
Sexual violence is a grossly underreported phenomenon due to fear, confusion, guilt, and stigma, or a combination thereof. It is important for mothers to feel confident in their ability to curate safe spaces of sharing where their daughters feel heard. Be available for them to express the range of feelings they may be experiencing.
- Know your resources.
Mothers can be strong supporters, but that doesn’t mean they are properly equipped to heal women and girls who have experienced some type of sexual violence. Take an inventory of available resources that currently respond or could respond to victims of sexual violence.
- Take care of yourself.
Mothers must recognize their own feelings and realize when they have reached their own limitations. Taking care of your needs can make it easier to provide support to others.