In The News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 12, 2004
Contact: Toni K. Troop
Mobile: 617-212-7571

MEDIA ADVISORY

“FACES OF SURVIVORS: VOICES RECLAIMED”
STATE HOUSE EXHIBIT REVEALS STRENGTH & COURAGE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

What: Photo Exhibit depicting survivors of sexual violence

When/Where: Tuesday, April 20 through Friday April 23, 2004 in Doric Hall, State House; Opening Reception on Tuesday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Who: Sponsored by Representative Liz Malia (D-Jamaica Plain), Jane Doe Inc. and Exhibit Creator Catherine Pedemonti; 4 project participants will share their story and experience with exhibit

Why: In conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the exhibit vividly portrays the pervasive and prevalent reality of sexual assault in an effort to dispel the stereotypes regarding rape and all forms of sexual violence.

Exhibit Creator Catherine Pedemonti describes the genesis of the project as a critical part of her own healing process. “What began as a series of self-portraits during my own healing has evolved into a public statement about how women and men not only can and do survive but also triumph over sexual violence,” she stated.

Pedemonti sought support from friends as well as through a local rape crisis center. In many encounters, the response was surprising. “When I finally started to speak about my own trauma, I was completely taken aback by how many people answered my confession with their own. I began to viscerally feel how many people are affected by sexual violence and how pervasive is the silence surrounding it.”

Like many survivors, Pedemonti turned to writing by and images of survivors. Too often the only visuals associated with sexual violence are stereotypical images of the “broken woman,” a victim, frozen in the moment, weak and helpless. Through this project, Pedemonti set out to show how she and the other 20 survivors in the Boston area who she has worked with are strong, thriving, and moving forward with their lives.

Bringing this exhibit to the State House places the specter of sexual violence into a very public sphere. A leading advocate for services and justice for survivors of sexual assault, Representative Liz Malia will sponsor the opening of the exhibit. “I will urge all of my colleagues to visit Doric Hall and look deep into the eyes of these brave women and men, and to hold on to these images as we take up debate on the FY05 budget the following week. Survivors of sexual assault – no matter what their gender, age, culture or immigration status – need more than our sympathy. They along with every person in this Commonwealth deserves to know that we are doing all we can to make our communities healthier and safe.”

For more information or to schedule an interview, please call Toni K. Troop, Director of Development and Public Relations at Jane Doe Inc. at 617-212-7571 or email at ttroop@janedoe.org.