A number of prominent Pakistani women have come forward with their own stories of sexual assault, saying they want to change traditions that consider abuse as a mark of shame for the victim. Those traditions, they say, help predators get away with abuse and encourage an already corrupt police force to ignore such crimes.
Maheen Khan, a legendary Pakistani fashion designer, tweeted that she had been sexually abused as a child by an Islamic cleric who taught her the Quran. "I froze in fear day after day," she tweeted. At 73, Khan has spoken publicly only once before of the abuse.
"We are now saying enough is enough. We should have woken up long ago," she said in a telephone interview from her home in the southern city of Karachi. "I am ashamed to say it has taken this one little girl's death."
"What disturbs me the most is the silence when a little girl gets raped," she said. "It has to do with the honor of family. Parents tell their daughters: 'Don't talk about it. Don't tell anyone.' Our silence is saying it is all right to sexually molest a child."
So Awesome. Her words mean so much since it is the first time they were spoken and her age. She is naming a Cleric. A Cleric! A Holy Man. A Holy Man no more.
There is more to Nassar than just him. There is a ring that he is protecting. The Olympics have been hiding severe abuse for years. If it unravels it will be another Jerry Sandusky
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Votescam ago
carmencita ago
So Awesome. Her words mean so much since it is the first time they were spoken and her age. She is naming a Cleric. A Cleric! A Holy Man. A Holy Man no more.
Votescam ago
Also impressive these last few days, Rachel Denhollander re abuse by Nassar -- gymnastics coach. The first to come forward.
This is patriarchy unraveling ... and it will lead us to sexual abuse of children by males.
carmencita ago
There is more to Nassar than just him. There is a ring that he is protecting. The Olympics have been hiding severe abuse for years. If it unravels it will be another Jerry Sandusky
Sackajahweeda ago
I hope that she is safe. I know speaking out is not only taken as half word but also very dangerous. I pray for her peace and continued safety.
carmencita ago
Me 2.