Check Out:

Project Unbreakable,

A Site That Gives

Sexual Assault Victims

A Voice

Tuesday Mar 13, 2012 – by Britni Danielle

 

Each year, thousands of people are sexual assaulted, abused and raped. Although many of these incidents are reported to police, the majority are not. Often times victims feel powerless and are too embarrassed to talk about the assault, which can lead to depression, withdrawal from others, and suicide.

After learning of her friend’s assault, Grace Brown, a 19-year-old freshman at The School of Visual Arts in New York, decided to do something about it. Brown started “Project Unbreakable” to help her friend and others share their stories on their own terms.

“It’s not something that you really think about. A survivor can tell their story of abuse to someone but the words are never really said,” said Brown. “They bury themselves in a pit in their stomach and then it’s forgotten about. You realise this is something a human said to another human; it’s very important that they not hold onto those words because they are incredibly powerful.”

The site features pictures of men and women holding up signs describing their assault. Some are anonymous, others show the person’s face, but each story is powerful and moving.

As I looked through the images and read their stories, I couldn’t help wonder where the people of color were.  Why aren’t we speaking up and out about the abuse that–in many cases–affects us in greater numbers than out white counterparts?

Check out the Project Unbreakable website to read others’ stories or share your own.