When it comes to mental health and equality in classrooms, it’s no secret that there’s a big disconnect. Even though it’s 2017, there is a big stigma around rape culture, domestic abuse and sexual assault. As women, we are constantly bombarded by the media on how to dress, act and look to appease. Katie Radford, decided to start the conversation by giving a voice to high school girls and women dealing with abuse and sexual assault through her campaign #Bespoken.

” What a lot of people fail to realize is that these issues start very young and when there is no conversation, there is no understanding for one another and no compassion for what we do not understand. “

Radford, a sexual abuse and domestic violence survivor, started the idea of this movement when in high school after noticing how there is a big miscommunication and lack on information related to abuse. The #BeSpoken campaign is an ongoing project that will focus on starting this difficult conversation by providing resources to help women. The project will include PSA’s involving girls and small businesses in her community, fundraisers to provide support for women in need and an online forum where women can communicate and share ideas.

“There is an immaculate amount of power in numbers and by encouraging women to share their stories, provide feedback to each other and listen, we can make a huge difference in removing that barrier of silence.”

Follow the #BeSpoken Project on Instagram.

Photo Credit {John Lam}