The most common trauma of women remains confined to the sphere of private life, without formal recognition or restitution from the community. There is no public monument for rape survivors.
-Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery
On VDay this February, FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture is creating a public memorial for survivors and victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse and rape. During V-DAY’s 1 Billion Rising event, FORCE will float the words I can’t forget what happened but no one else remembers on the reflecting pool of the national mall. The statement, written by a survivor, reflects the isolating and traumatic experience of living with sexual violence. The temporary testament is a public call to create a permanent national monument to honor survivors. If we continue to forget the reality of rape, abuse and assault in a country where 30-45% of women and 13-16% of men are affected, how will we ever prevent it? As a nation, we need to honor the survivors living with sexual violence today, so that, for future generations, this violence may stop.
On V-Day we are calling on local supporters to gather on the national mall at 3pm to celebrate the unveiling of “I can’t forget what happened” and to rally for a permanent monument. We are also looking for volunteers who can join our team starting at noon to put the poem together.
Starting now and until the day a monument is created, we are looking for organizations that want to join and support the effort through petitions, contacting congress, and fundraising. If you or your organization is interested in joining a coalition of feminists and anti-rape activists working to make this idea a reality please contact FORCE at [email protected].
prguitarman
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
turnnoffyourmind
ellievsbear
stormborns
blakekathryn
gracieabrams