The important Conversations:
We need more of these conversations!
My answer:
I work with charities and organisations and my advocacy and petitions but we need more teamwork.
I find a lot of organisations are more about validation than community support - they're competing instead of amplifying the message by working together.
I just finished an understanding domestic abuse course and I work in youth services and safeguarding children depts (unpaid) and we still need to fight to stop the unpaid roles disabled people are often left with and the 13% wage gap for those who manage to find paid work.
The system is destructive in more ways than one, and until people start supporting genuine advocates and people> abusive ones with facades, we won't action much positive change.
However - I'm proud that I action positive change and challenge what needs to be challenged, even if it's only small changes I manage to implement.
I would also suggest the legalisation of pepper spray - having done my due diligence - it would help a lot of people.
https://youtu.be/_7WE4VUhusk?si=2moIUhAOIaTHLH75
Legalise pepper spray in England
We call on the UK Government to:
• Legalise and regulate pepper spray for self-defence
• Restrict sales to over-18s and approved formulations only
• Impose tough penalties for misuse
• Provide clear guidelines on lawful self-defence
More details
Every day across England, people – especially women, disabled people, and survivors of domestic abuse – are left vulnerable to harassment, assault, and violence.
Reports of harassment and sexual offences on public transport have surged.
People are being threatened at bus stops and in public spaces.
We think domestic abuse is still at epidemic levels – and too many victims are left defenceless while waiting for help.
Police response times can stretch into hours, leaving victims exposed and unprotected.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/742673
you may want to share this to help safeguard women and girls and our communities. ❤️
#pepperspray #safeguarding #petitions #OpticalTurnkey #women
Sarah Wingfield
Independent Disability Advocate
Alt text:
Screenshot of a Facebook comment thread. A post by Teri Chastain reads: “Why are women not believed, & helped more often when she finally lets someone know she is being abused? Why the waiting until a woman is dead before her abuser faces consequences. Not to mention if she defends herself and he is the one who dies, she goes to prison. Who will protect HER?” Below, Sarah Wingfield replies, tagging Teri Chastain, with: “societal barriers/peer mentality.” Teri Chastain then responds to Sarah Wingfield asking: “Any ideas of how to break those barriers?” The thread shows reaction icons including likes and a heart, with timestamps indicating the comments were posted within the last hour.