Pleasure & Power: Reclaiming Your Strength
April is here, and with it comes Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to acknowledge, educate, and empower each other in the fight against sexual violence. This year, the theme is "Together We Act, United We Change." It’s an important reminder that when we come together, we can create real change and make a powerful impact.
What Happens During SAAM? Throughout April, various events, campaigns, and initiatives are held to raise awareness and spark crucial conversations about sexual violence and prevention. From workshops to social media campaigns, there’s a wealth of opportunities to learn and engage. One major event is Denim Day on April 30—think of it like “Wednesdays We Wear Denim!” Every year on this special Wednesday, we rock our best denim to show support for survivors and challenge those pesky misconceptions about sexual assault. So, grab your favorite jeans and join the movement!
Reclaiming Your Power through Sexual Health and Wellness It's essential to reclaim your power and embrace your body, especially after trauma. Sexual health and wellness education plays a significant role in that journey. Understanding your body, your desires, and your rights can empower you and instill confidence in your relationships and interactions.
Here are some steps you can take to reclaim your pleasure and power:
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is empowerment! Explore resources that focus on sexual health, consent, and healthy relationships. Organizations like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) provide valuable materials that you can access here.
- Create Safe Spaces: Surround yourself with friends and communities who support your journey. Finding a safe space to share your experiences can validate your feelings and foster healing.
- Engage in Self-Exploration: Take time to reconnect with your body and desires. This could mean exploring what feels good for you through practices like mindfulness, self-pleasure, or dance.
- Participate in Workshops: Attend workshops that focus on sexual health and empowerment. This is a great way to learn, connect with others, and feel inspired!
Like A Kitten’s Mission and Philanthropy
At Like A Kitten, we stand firmly in solidarity with survivors and promote the message that pleasure is power. Our founder created this company as a response to her own experience with childhood sexual abuse, using this platform not just as a business but to come out with her story and speak her truth. She emphasizes, “My journey has shown me the importance of reclaiming power through pleasure, and I want to empower others to do the same.”
This August, she will share her journey on a panel at STIMULATE, a powerful opportunity to shed light on the impact of trauma and the importance of healing. Her experience is a driving force behind Like A Kitten, emphasizing the need for empowerment, self-love, and recovery.
Every quarter, we choose an organization that helps empower women, donating a portion of our proceeds to support their vital work. This quarter, we are proud to partner with the Joyful Heart Foundation, dedicated to ensuring that survivors have access to essential therapy and resources. Our Sales/Marketing Director, Emily, shares, “As someone who understands firsthand the impact of trauma, I know how vital it is for survivors to have access to therapy, support, and resources to heal. Organizations like Joyful Heart make that healing possible, and I want us to be part of that.”
Joyful Heart’s mission aligns perfectly with Like A Kitten’s core values of empowerment and self-care, as we help women embrace confidence, pleasure, and self-love, starting with healing.
Helpful Resources for Survivors: If you or someone you know needs support, there are many organizations available to help. Here are some valuable resources:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): A leading organization providing free support through their national hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and online chat. rainn.org
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): Offers a wealth of information and tools for survivors and allies. nsvrc.org
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides support for those experiencing domestic violence, including sexual assault. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org
- Love Is Respect: Focused on empowering young people in their relationships, offering guidance and support. loveisrespect.org
- Joyful Heart Foundation: Committed to supporting survivors and providing trauma recovery resources. joyfulheartfoundation.org
This month, as we honor survivors and work toward a brighter future, let’s remember that together, we can advocate for change. Reclaim your pleasure, embrace your power, and stand united in the fight against sexual violence. Together, let’s turn pain into power, and create a world where everyone feels safe and empowered!
#SAAM #TogetherWeAct #LikeAKitten #Survivors
