My Story (Early Years)
I'm Denisha Imani, founder of 'The Invisible Touch' petition, and I am delighted to share my story and the inspiration behind this transformative initiative, which has the potential to drive meaningful change.
From the age of five, I was subjected to exploitation by family members and purported family friends who exploited my naivety, youth, and trust. My physical, emotional, and psychological well-being were severely compromised, almost before they had fully developed. I sought assistance from my mother, other relatives, school counselors, and law enforcement officials.
Unfortunately, individuals failed to take action, others made excuses, while others disregarded my situation entirely. I do not wish for you or anyone you know or love to experience the hardships that I have endured in this life. You can combat the invisible touch by uniting, standing, and bonding together as survivors - sharing your story with those who will listen so that we can establish a movement to stop this disease.
Nebraska's Laws (Teenage Years)
Being sexually violated needs to be treated as the epidemic that it is, affecting numerous individuals, and together we can rise above it and create a brighter future, so let's unite and help with the fight.
There should be no statute of limitations for things related to that. Just like there isn't a statute of limitations for murder, because the effects of such behavior last a lifetime for those who are survivors of that treatment, so the penalty should last a lifetime for those who engage in them. And the only way we can ensure that's going to happen socially is to make sure we don't use time as an arbitrary restriction.
We firmly believe that our collective efforts can tip the balance in favor of goodness and justice, and it's our responsibility to uphold what's right, just, and fair. Can we create a more just world by addressing and holding accountable those who engage in harmful activities, and fostering a culture of lasting accountability?
Nebraska Current Laws & Policies:
1.https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-831
2.https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-319
3.https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-320.01
4.https://apps.rainn.org/policy/policy-crime-definitions-export.cfm?state=Nebraska&group=3
Our Charge
First, I strongly advise parents who have experienced abuse to prioritize their own healing and recovery. Some may think, 'I managed to survive on my own, so my child can too.' However, it is essential to recognize that survival and truly living are distinct and that healing is necessary to effectively support a child's healing or prevent them from becoming a survivor.
Next, to those parents who were not touched themselves and who cannot fathom their own children being touched: we reside in a world of unforeseen events. Establish a healthy dialogue with your children, a dialogue characterized by trust, love, and mutual respect, so that they feel comfortable approaching you and sharing anything, even something as tragic as the experiences I have endured. And when they do approach you, act: defend them, protect them, support them, and love them.
Finally, to adults in positions of authority, it is imperative to acknowledge the narratives of a child. It is crucial to recognize that the horror of contemplating what happened or might have happened can blind and immobilize you from fulfilling your responsibility to provide a safeguard of protection. Do not avoid confronting this reality. Speak up, take a stand, utilize your position and authority to assist the children and hold accountable those who harm them.