"Still Not Asking For It" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"Still Not Asking For It"

Survivors of sexual assault are not to blame.

21
"Still Not Asking For It"

"I don't want my child born into a society that accepts sexual violence."

This statement comes from the cover photo of the photography project, "Still Not Asking For It ". The project, created by Rory Banwell, aims to stop the propagation of rape culture. It features stunning black and white photos, some of which are shown below, that capture various individuals who are survivors, or friends and family of survivors, of sexual assault and domestic abuse.

Banwell created the project back in 2014 when she found out that she and her husband were expecting a baby girl. According to an interview with HuffPost, Banwell and her husband "both had a little freak out knowing that we would have to protect a teenage girl. Most people I know (including myself) have suffered some form of sexual or domestic violence in their lifetime... and it absolutely terrified me thinking that my daughter could go through the same thing."

But a teenage girl isn't the only person who needs to be protected. Men and women, of various races and age groups, may experience some form of sexual abuse or domestic violence. It's abhorrent to think that one in three girls and one in five boys will be sexually abused by before they are 18. One in three. One in five. Just think about that.

What's worse is that we live in a culture that doesn't want to talk about it. Sexual violence is taboo. Consent has to be taught. Survivors of sexual assault are shunned and silenced. This is not acceptable. We need to be open to talking about sexual assault and violence.

Though I couldn't post all of the photos here, I encourage you to go to visit the campaign's official Tumblr. Banwell has only just begun to start a dialogue and raise awareness for survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse. The on-going project will hopefully soon include a wider array of races and genders. But until then, it's up to us all to help her and help everyone out there who could be that one in three or one in five.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189794
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14646
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457637
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26510
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments