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Created in conjunction with photographer Valeska Martin and local artists, the "Reveal to Heal" photographic campaign will bring community awareness of the harm inflicted by sexual violence and raise the profile of The Center, which offers services for survivors of sexual assault and abuse in Lower Fairfield.
A series of featuring modestly undressed models with messages written on their bodies, "Reveal to Heal" calls attention to the struggles survivors often face in getting people to believe them, and the many discouraging messages they receive when they do disclose assault or abuse.
The symbolic disrobing in the photographs reveals the emotional scars of sexual violence that may never leave the survivor; those wounds are literally “written” on the body.
The campaign images will be widely distributed throughout Lower Fairfield County.
They will be used in campaign posters and on social media with two purposes, The Center's Executive Director Ivonne Zucco told Daily Voice.
"One is to bring awareness to the public on what the victims have to go through. The pictures will have statistics on sexual violence. They will debunk myths like if you're drunk it's OK to be assaulted. Another purpose is for the victims. They will be able to relate to these images. It will let them know there is awareness and a place they can get help."
“The visualization is very powerful and I commend The Center for doing something creative to exemplify why we have zero tolerance for sexual assault," said Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, among lawmakers who attended a campaign launch Wednesday at The Center on Summer Street.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk, Darien) said the campaign reiterates that “sexual assault is not the victim’s fault and help is out there.”
The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education provides free, 24-hour confidential help to women, men, and children who have experienced sexual violence. It serves the towns of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
For more information about Reveal to Heal, call The Center at 203-348-9346.
Click here for The Center's website.
Click here for The Center's Facebook page.
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