Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
My Life
A Glimpse My sister and I were at my grandmother’s house lying on a mattress that was placed on the floor. We were down on the mattress when uncle Jean walked into the room, inebriated - his breathe, reeking alcohol. I was only eight years old at that time and my sister was just four. He laid on the mattress with us at the bottom where our feet were positioned, with Vaseline in his hands. Curiosity wouldn’t let me be as I stare oddly at what he was about to do with the Vaseline. Few seconds later, I felt a sensation down my feet; uncle Jean was massaging my feet with the Vaseline. I remember him going up my legs and that of my sister’s too, but I can’t remember anything else from those filthy sessions. Years later, Tanya, my sister, came to consciously remember what had happened to her; she remembered being molested.
Dawana DavisPublished 4 years ago in VivaMy Voice Has Power
Why doesn't she eat anything? Is she hurting herself on purpose? She probably just wants attention. I heard it all growing up. When I was 16, I was raped by a stranger. As a 16 year old perfectionist, I blamed myself. I had already struggled with body image issues and eating disorder tendencies so when the assault happened, I spiraled.
Staci DillonPublished 4 years ago in VivaSEXISM in Healthcare: Female Physicians Share Their Stories
The other day while I walked to work, I deliberately slowed my pace to allow time for my left hand to lightly graze the brick wall I was passing. I watched as my fingers ebbed and flowed through every groove and imperfection. There was a familiarity to this. Perhaps it was the texture, perhaps the grit. Either way, memories emanated as I was no stranger to brick walls. Over the years as I pursued a career in medicine, my hands had gotten quite used to dismantling them.
Dr. Megan BabbPublished 4 years ago in VivaSexualising Women’s Bodies in Yoga
The other day I had a nasty encounter with a man in the street. In order to get to my point quicker I’ll keep this part short, but he was incredibly vile. He followed and verbally harassed me in a sexual manner whilst grabbing and rubbing his penis from the outside of his shorts. I said the only thing I could think to say in the moment which was, “You’re a c*nt!”, and tried to move on.
Freya EdmondsonPublished 4 years ago in VivaWhy did you stay silent?
“Why did you stay silent for so many years?” is my favourite question among all the others I often receive. For a long time I claimed it was my fear of him, my family, or what people would say about me, but the truth is that I was only eight years old when it all started.
Jatsue SanvicentePublished 4 years ago in VivaBlindsided by PMDD
Hello my lovely PMDD community. Forgive me for not having written anything new in ages and probably at a very unfortunate time for many as we have all been doing our best to cope not only with the wretched PMDD but also with the total destruction of our world as we knew it. I sincerely hope you are all keeping it together...or if falling apart, loving yourself through it. Who could foresee the shitstorm in which we currently find ourselves?
Cheeky MinxPublished 4 years ago in VivaKegel Exercises: what they are and their benefits
If you have not heard of Kegel exercises, you will surely hear at least hearing the use of Chinese balls to strengthen the pelvic floor. Kegel exercises are a serie of actions developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel in the 1940s for patients with urinary incontinence. Yes, it was a man who created that women strengthen our vagina today.
AstarothkuuPublished 4 years ago in VivaExperience that changed my life
I am 21 years old woman and it is just the perspective of my, young woman, who are not against all men, view. I can start with statistics and all the data around the world about how many, how young girls have been sexually attacked, insulted or just manipulated by opposite of sex. Even though, this time I am going to talk just about my experience.
Mysterious APublished 4 years ago in VivaWhat it's like: IUCD (Contraceptive Device)
If you're thinking of getting IUCD (a copper contraceptive device) or soon to be your first time getting it, as someone with an IUCD, I say don't be afraid. We all been there, google for images or even watches videos on how it is inserted. But, watching these makes us, even I, more afraid to get one. The pain is what causes us to step back and re-think a thousand time. Definition of pain differs from one another, some people feel more pain and some people don't. We all experience pain differently.
"Just Relax" Doesn't Work
I've gone to the doctors many a times gotten enough tests to not want to go to the doctors anymore. About a year ago I was officially diagnosed with PCOS. Don't get me wrong it was nice to finally know what was going on with my body and know somewhat what I have to do to control it but there isn't an official manual on how to navigate it all.
Renee VasquezPublished 4 years ago in VivaI Know Why They Call You a "Hoe"
I KNOW. I know what it is like to be molested. I know how it feels to be violated by a family member and a friend of the family. I know what it is like to have to keep the secret out of fear that you will get in trouble or hurt if you tell. I know what it is like to be molested by someone of the same sex, and in turn become confused about your own sexuality. I know what it is like to think that you were just ‘playing a game’ when in fact someone was stealing your innocence. I know how it feels to be so ashamed that you cannot even tell your closest friends, because you do not want them to look at you or your family differently. I know what it is like to feel as if you are going to throw up when someone touches you in the same way that an abuser touched you, even if that abuse happened 30 years ago.
7 Benefits of the menstrual cup
If you have not tried it yet, or maybe have not heard of the benefits of the menstrual cup, this post interests you. Whoever uses it, knows it's a change for the better in female life. The period is something that we have to live with and the menstrual cup makes it easier, hygienic and comfortable.
AstarothkuuPublished 4 years ago in Viva