In October 2021, a book titled “I Will Not Be Silent: 30 Perspectives on Eliminating Sexual Violence” was published by Joint Publishing. The book was written by 34 activists, professionals, journalists, and researchers who are trying to eliminate sexual violence. Kazuna Kanajiri, the representative of PAPS, also contributed a chapter on “Sexual Violence in the Form of Audio-Visuals” (pp. 72-75). 2021 is a map-like book that provides an overview of the current state of sexual violence, challenges, lessons learned from the past, global trends, and future prospects.
As a member of the PAPS staff, I picked up this book because of Kanajiri's contribution and the title, “I will not be silenced”. I am a person who has “kept silent” about sexual violence. If I could have stayed silent and lived a peaceful life, I would not have come to PAPS. It took me almost 20 years to realize the damage caused by sexual violence. Words that permeated my teenage self, such as “It means you are seen as a woman,” “It's lame to make a big deal out of something like this,” and “It doesn't make you less of a woman. Anger, helplessness, self-blame, and a sense of being “unclean” were all connected to the difficulties I was having as a 35-year-old woman in life.
I wanted to meet someone who decided to “never shut up. It has been three months since I learned of PAPS' activities and joined its staff through some fortunate leads. I think it is an interesting place. There are many different personalities on staff at this organization, with varying ages and careers. What they all have in common is a desire to “not stand silent” against sexual violence. They are angry at sexual violence and sexual exploitation, saying “I can't tolerate it! and “It's not right!” at the voices that shame the victims. and angry at the voices that shame the victims, and discuss ways to be there for the counselors who are facing various challenges. Anger makes me hungry, so I refresh myself with a snack and coffee that someone has brought and get back to work.
I had a fortunate encounter with PAPS. And in addition to PAPS, there are people who are working and communicating to end sexual violence. If you want to know about their words and activities, please pick up this book. The voices of 34 people who decided not to be silent will resonate with you.
Key words in the book.
Sexual Assault / Sexual Violence Against Minors / Sexual Harassment / Job Hunting Sexual Harassment / Sexual Violence During Disasters / Sexual Violence in Education / Campus Rape / Rape Relief Center / Wartime Sexual Assault / Comfort Women / #Metoo / Before #Metoo / #KuTo / Flower Demo / Sexual Offenses Penal Code / Sexual Consent / Sexual Abuse Victims / Victim-Bashing / Molester / Anti-molestation apps / porn / digital sexual violence / sexual exploitation / sex crimes trials / sex crimes criminal law / criminal law issues / sexual and reproductive health and rights / sexual minorities / juvenile and male sexual violence victims / sexual violence perpetrator treatment programs
I Will Not Be Silent -30 Perspectives to Eliminate Sexual Violence
Published by Godo Shuppan K.K. October 30, 2021, 1,500 yen + tax
▼ Authors (titles omitted)
Shiori Ito (visual journalist)
Yoko Uema (Professor, University of the Ryukyu)
Tamaka Ogawa (Writer)
Minori Kitahara (Writer, Feminist)
Eiko Tabo (Manga Artist)
Toko Teramachi (Lawyer)
Yumeno Nito (Representative of General Incorporated Association Colabo)
Kazuna Kanajiri (NPO Pappus)
Sayoko Nobuta (Advisor, Harajuku Counseling Center)
Jun Yamamoto (Representative Director, Spring Incorporated Association)
and 34 other authors in total
Comments