Thread by @LDNVictimsComm

Today we mark #IWD2021, where we celebrate women's achievements and the progress made in the fight for equality. But we must also challenge the narratives, myths, and stereotypes that harm us. Take a look at this thread to see the many things we #ChooseToChallenge 👇👇

“I #ChooseToChallenge the lack of recognition of Black trauma and victimhood. We must better-equip services and justice agencies to understand how trauma is felt and exhibited by Black women, and not allow racist stereotypes to impact the support women need to cope and recover”

"I #ChooseToChallenge hostile environment policies that continue to frame female victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence from diverse communities as ‘undeserving’ of help”

- @docadisa, Head of Centre for Abuse Research, University of Suffolk

"I #ChooseToChallenge the Adultification of Black Young Women; they have the right to Childhood, to be safe, to have fun, to be SEEN & HEARD!"

- Nicole Walsh, @WomenandGirlsN

“I #ChooseToChallenge the criminalisation of women with insecure immigration status, when reporting domestic abuse and sexual violence"

-Marchu Girma, @hibiscuscharity

"I #ChooseToChallenge that domestic abuse & sexual violence of Black women is a private family matter. They deserve to know that they will not be alone if they break their silence. That they have every right to leave & define their own destiny!”

- Annie Gibbs, @amourdestine

“I #ChooseToChallenge the stereotyping of Black female victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse as "hard to reach" and "uncooperative""

- @AshieduJoel

“We #ChooseToChallenge racism within the Violence Against Women and Girls and the historical problems Black women face when VAWG sector workers are unfamiliar with African heritage women and the history that further impact Black women when they try to get support."
@Sistah_Space

“I #ChooseToChallenge the Adultification of Black Girls! They deserve to be loved and nurtured, they deserve to have their feelings acknowledged and they have the right to be protected from harm! They are vulnerable too!”

- @JahnineDavis, from @ListenUpCo

“I #ChooseToChallenge the notion that some victims are more worthy of protection than others and will continue to advocate for a #DABill that supports all who experience domestic abuse.”

-Jain Lemom, @MOPACLdn

"I #ChooseToChallenge violence against women and girls (VAWG), structural inequalities, intersectional discrimination and to champion and celebrate our diversity"

-Annetha Mills, @NIARA_UK

“I #ChooseToChallenge all of us in this society to truly value Black women and girls, and to work with us to end all forms of violence against us”

- @NIARA_UK Young Women and Girls Ambassador