Hi, I’m McKenzie – A Real Talk Comic Book
McKenzie has been through some difficult stuff – and survived. In this video McKenzie talks about experiencing sexual abuse, telling someone about it, finding a support group, and eventually feeling brave enough to try dating. McKenzie has good advice to share about boundaries, pleasure, and sticking up for yourself.
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Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW)
- Website
- Crisis & Info Line 604-255-6344
- Or Toll Free: 1-877-392-7583
BC Male Survivors
- Website
- Phone 604-682-6482
Other resources:
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Why We Talk About…
Consent
Consent is the foundation of healthy partnered sexuality. Knowing that everyone is an enthusiastic, informed, freely-given ‘yes’ to a sexual activity before it happens is mandatory.
Adults with cognitive disabilities often get told what to do – by staff or families or even by strangers like medical specialists they only meet once. They may be punished if they don’t comply. When this happens, they learn that it’s not important whether or not they consent to something. They have to do what they’re told.
Given these experiences, consent is a concept that needs to be talked about and demonstrated often. This helps people learn how to ask for consent in sexual situations. It also helps them learn how to give consent when they’re a ‘yes’, and how to not give it when they’re a ‘no’.
It’s also valuable for staff and families to think about how we can model consent in our daily interactions with the people we support so that we are not sending mixed messages. (eg. “No always means no… except when I’m telling you to eat your broccoli.”)
Surviving and Thriving
It’s not fun to think about, but adults with cognitive disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing sexual abuse. How we respond if we find out this has happened can make a big difference. Listening to & believing survivors, pointing them towards support organizations, and being willing to accept their romantic & sexual goals afterwards are all parts of top-notch support.
Want to be in a Real Talk video shoot?
We’re always looking for participants to be part of our next video shoot, where folks have conversations on dating, love, relationships and sex.