#sexual assault awareness month
By: Amanda Miller
I live in State College, Pennsylvania, right where Pennsylvania State University is. As a “townie” I know all that goes on at the campus without actually being a college student. About a month ago, it was leaked that a fraternity on campus, Kappa Delta Rho, had two private Facebook pages containing drug transactions, photographs of hazing, and photographs of naked and unconscious women. While there were many supporters for punishment of participants and justice for the women, some people did not feel the same way. A former member of the fraternity was interviewed by Philly Magazine and defended those involved saying: “…it is laughably pathetic to see the media spring on an occasional incident such as this, especially a media complicit in overturning the same sexual mores and moral standards that for millennia had at least to some extent curbed outright licentiousness. The fire of indignant, misplaced self-righteousness that looks to ruin people’s lives and unjustly ruin reputations is the abuse and violation that should be at the center of discussion, not the humorous, albeit possibly misguided, antics of a bunch of college kids…”
It is something like this that is the reason I’m committed to ending sexual violence. So that I can live in a town where men and women don’t have to worry about being exposed while trying to have fun. So when a situation like this does occur that everyone realizes it is wrong and does not defend the perpetrators. So that I can spread awareness to prevent things like this from happening. I’m taking the pledge to end sexual assault. Will you? Take the pledge at: iwillesv.tumblr.com.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and we are inviting you to #TakethePledge to end sexual violence on your college campus or in your communities. Share a photo of yourself with a poster or caption saying “I Will End Sexual Violence” to take the pledge yourself!
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I recently finished this beautiful commissioned piece entitled Carrie and the Cow Tongue for Heather Ross. With Heather’s enthusiastic blessing, I will be selling prints of this piece for the months of April and May 2019 on my online store, with a portion of proceeds going to the Canadian Women’s Foundation in Carrie’s name
Please check out the charity here
Please find prints here
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Don’t ignore the subtext. #ItsOnUS to call out language that perpetuates rape culture. Take the pledge: ItsOnUs.org/#pledge
“Life is a state of endless becoming. It is vital not to forget where we’ve been, to take inventory of all that we currently have, and to envision bigger lives for ourselves.
I WAS — In a society that is forward facing and fast moving, there is value in pausing and looking back. The first phase asks us to rest and reflect. To acknowledge the stages we have survived, the people we have loved, and the losses we have accumulated.
We must make a home for all of our experiences and allow them to take shape. How will we let our past inform us? How will we carry it forward? How will we become bigger than what has hurt us?
I AM — The character sits centered, anchored in the present.
We must take the time to absorb what is happening now without letting life mindlessly pass us by. Pay attention, even to the hard parts.
I WILL BE — Evolution is inevitable. Should we ever feel stuck or trapped, we can seek comfort knowing we exist in a state of flux.
The character exits the frame, envisioning a life beyond what the viewer can see.
This piece serves as an homage to process, rather than outcome. Healing happens when we are able to incorporate the full spectrum of our experiences and integrate our collective selves. Instead of keeping parts of us in the dark, we deserve to live wholly and authentically. I hope you will honor every leg of your journey, knowing life is infinitely unfolding.”
Chanel Miller. “I was, I am, I will be” is on view at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco through February 2022.
TW: Sexual Assault mentioned
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As a sexual assault and DV survivor advocate for 4+ years, I was often asked how people could be more supportive of survivors in their day-to-day lives. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I want to share some of my most successful advice:
A great way to be trauma-informed and supportive of survivors in your everyday life is to speak to and treat people as you would someone whom you know for a fact has been assaulted. At least 1 in 4 cis women and 1 in 10 cis men in this country have experienced sexual violence, and the numbers are higher for trans and gender-nonconforming folks.
You’re never going to hurt someone who hasn’t been sexually assaulted by treating them with the same kind of thoughtfulness that you would a person of whose trauma you’re aware, but you could hurt someone by treating them specifically like they haven’t experienced sexual violence.
IMPORTANT!!! VvVvVvV
I’m not saying you should walk on eggshells around everyone! I’m saying you should put trigger warnings for content that references sexual violence, you should always check in with someone before you start a conversation regarding sexual violence, and when you’re talking to/in a big group of people, assume that someone in that group has had some kind of experience with sexual violence (the numbers tell you it’s probable). Don’t treat anyone like a victim, but be aware of the topic, and the odds of someone having experienced it, when it comes up.
