Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of National Center on Sexual Exploitation, shares about her experience presenting at Whole Women Weekend 2015. Thinking that she would be teaching women about the realities of pornography and how to help protect children and families, she realized she had a very different crowd. All 8 of the women in one small group discussion shared how pornography had impacted their lives. From women struggling with addiction, to women being prostituted/trafficked and pornography playing a role in that prostitution, to hurting marriages and sexual violence — all of these real life examples gave voice to what the research says. There is a public health crisis from pornography. It is beyond the capacity of any one person or family to overcome and protect against alone. We must address these issues.
Resources:
- Find resources to help address these issues at the NCOSE Resource center – https://endsexualexploitation.org/resources/
- Learn more about the conference host and organizer Dirty Girls Ministries – http://dirtygirlsministries.com/
- Check back for details about future Whole Women Weekend retreats here – http://www.wholewomenweekend.com/
A Note From Dawn:
Lately, I have been so focused on the research. In the many news interviews I’m doing, they want to know the research. In the dozens of meetings on Capitol Hill, they want to know the research. In preparation for the major Summit we are planning for leaders next month in Orlando, I am trying to present the research to equip leaders with the “strongest” messaging arguments. Gratefully, there is a lot of research today backing up our claims that there is a public health crisis from pornography. We have incredible tools at our side. But, as I started my usual presentation spouting off these statistics — I saw deep pain in these women’s eyes. They knew what I was talking about because they have lived just what the research proves. I stopped my presentation and the eight of us were able to talk for the two-hour block. The experiences of all of them proved everything we argue.
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Women also struggle with addiction.
The reality of betrayal trauma is real.
Pornography destroys real intimacy in relationships and drives a wedge between husband and wife. It may seem to “spice” things up at first, but it is certain to lead to emptiness and disconnect.
It often leads to the user acting out – either with other women or by force and agression.
It is so closely a part of the story of those who are prostituted/trafficked.
It perpetuates feelings of shame, disappointment, depression, low self-esteem.
It leaves a huge open void in your spiritual life.
Each of these women pleaded for help, healing and understanding. My heart is full of both sorrow that we couldn’t just take it away, but also with gratitude that there is a movement swelling and saying NO MORE.
Thank you for being a part of these efforts. Thank you for not ignoring this public health crisis. Thank you for helping us oppose policies that facilitate exploitation. Thank you for supporting our efforts to bring the leaders together. Thank you for educating others around you.
I saw so much pain yesterday, but also witnessed powerful hope.
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