BreastGain | Breast Actives

As the world recognizes the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, one form of violence has been overlooked that happens everyday, all over the world, and causes pain, suffering, disfigurement, and even death to thousands of women annually. And women actually do it to themselves. It is something they do out of fear of rejection and ridicule. It is the ultimate form of psychological violence, a form of self abuse to conform to the demands of men.

I am referring to breast disease and cancer, and how it is caused by the wearing of tight bras.

Most women agree that their bras are uncomfortable. However, the demand for acceptance trumps all reason, as women eagerly spend billions of dollars annually to display their cleavage to the pleasure of men.

Creating cleavage and a perky, youthful bustline, however, has a price. To get the “right” look, the bra must be tight, as it compresses the soft breast tissue. This causes pain, cysts, and can lead to cancer, something that was rare prior to the advent of the bra.

It is nothing new for women to abuse themselves for fashion. For example, not long ago, Chinese women bound their feet to please their men. Foot binding was disabling, causing completely distorted feet and toes. Some toes would actually rot off. Men would find erotic pleasure unwrapping, cleaning, and re-wrapping their women’s feet. And this went on for centuries!

Another senseless fashion, the wearing of corsets, also tortured women for centuries. The tight lacing impaired breathing, digestion, kidney function, and blood and lymphatic circulation, and caused pelvic disease and permanent skeletal deformation. But men loved the hourglass look, so women put up with the abuse.

Fashions can be sick. And this also applies to the wearing of bras.

Bras are constrictive by design. Their purpose is to alter breast shape, and this requires constant pressure applied to the soft breast tissue. Pressure, however, impairs the circulation of blood and lymph within the breast tissue. Most effected are the tiny, easily compressed lymphatic vessels, which drain the tissue of lymph fluid and is the circulatory pathway of the immune system.

Lymph fluid bathes the cells and needs to be regularly cleansed, taking with it toxins, waste products, viruses, cancer cells, bacteria, and cell debris. This lymph fluid is brought via lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes, which filter the fluid and mount an immune response, if needed. Eventually, the fluid re-enters the bloodstream. However, if the breast is constricted by a tight bra, the lymphatic vessels can be compressed, causing the fluid to accumulate in the tissue, along with the toxins it was trying to eliminate, some of which are carcinogenic. The result is pain, cyst formation, fibrocystic breast disease, toxification of the breast tissue, and, ultimately, cancer. Red marks and indentations in the skin left by the bra are telltale signs of constriction.

But will women eliminate their bras? Some women do once they hear about the bra/cancer link. However, for many, the fear of cancer and the pain of constriction are not as compelling as the fear and pain of rejection. To feel accepted, some women accept the self abuse of bra wearing. Some even pay a surgeon to cut their breasts, enlarging or reducing their size, subjecting themselves to the risks of surgery, anesthesia, and potential complications, all to look acceptable to others.

This is violence against women masquerading as fashion. That women do this violence to themselves makes it more disturbing. If a man were to punch a women in the breast, it would be obvious violence. When a woman binds her breasts to the point of pain, cysts, and cancer, it is still violence, even if the bra is lacy, sexy, and fashionable.

Countless women endure the physical, sexual and psychological abuse of domestic violence in their own homes from their partners.  It is estimated that in the U.S. among women 18 and older, 5.3 million acts of domestic violence happen every year.  The statistics are even higher internationally, and aside from the tragic personal implications, the problem spills over into the workplace.

Some victims are brave enough to escape the abuse at home, but unfortunately the abuser knows where they work, and are able to harass and threaten her there.  In fact, it has been found that 75% of abusers have used communications such as work email or phone calls, or visited the workplace of the victim to further threaten their partner.  This is a frightening scenario not just for the victim, but for her fellow employees.

Recognizing signs that someone is being abused could help protect a domestic abuse victim, and lead her to support for her situation.  A place of work should be a safe place for an individual and their co-workers, so it is in everyone’s best interest to look for the signs and take steps to be supportive.  Warning signs can include social withdrawal from co-workers, visible bruises, emotional outbursts on the phone, or frequent calls which leave them upset.  Lateness or frequent absences are common among victims, as well as reduced productivity and poor job performance.

When there are outward physical signs such as bruising, a victim often lies to co-workers out of embarrassment.  Co-workers and employers should always be supportive, respectful and encouraging, and hopefully that communicates to the victim that they are willing to help when the victim is ready.

After the recognition or admission of an abusive situation, employers should take reasonable measures to protect their employee.  These can include possibly changing their schedule or work location, screening calls and visitors, and escorts to where they have parked.  A formal, written workplace policy should be in place which includes information on where to get help outside of the office.

A place of work may be the only safe haven for a victim, and an environment of safety and supportiveness will not only protect them, but make a more productive worker.  Employers and co-workers need to be aware of the signs of domestic violence, and take steps to protect all employees from abusive individuals.

Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor. “Recognizing Domestic Violence Victims in the Workplace” notes the signs which could mean one are being abused. Soroptimist.org is an International women’s organization working to improve the lives of women, including support for women in domestic abuse situations.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/recognizing-domestic-violence-victims-in-the-workplace-1496416.html