I believe you
In 2020, we also joined the Red my lips campaign, discussing myths about rape and sexual abuse in the midst of the largest pandemic this generation has experienced. Forced to quarantine and lockdown, surprisingly and not, the rates of sexual abuse increased in many countries around the globe, leaving many women and girls trapped with their abusers and perpetuators. This tiny effort is meant to share individual thoughts, experiences, narratives and overall messages that some friends, from their homes and in different parts of the world, want to transmit about victim blaming, consent, patriarchal violence and overall injustice that arises when discussing topics of sexual abuse and gender-based violence. The true soul of this project relies on reflection and sharing with victims and allies, our support for the truth, reminding everybody that has experienced it one important message “I believe you”. Throughout the years, the most interesting thing about this campaign has been bumping into a majority of people that choose to ignore and/or are uncomfortable by the subject, yet rapists never seemed to be bothered by their abuses. I truly believe that as individuals, we should be shaping a world that makes victims less uncomfortable and perpetrators punished and aware of the criminal consequences. We clearly must speak up, report, share and demand justice. This year’s attempt made it evident that more and more people from different backgrounds are willing to have incredibly uncomfortable and intimate conversations that will someday lead to the change we are all yearning for. By asking for a photo I received in return Important and profound messages, significant conversations, a reminder of brave individuals that compose our universal energy, interest and overall care and support, proving a small yet collective desire to heal and make this one pandemic end.
“Believing victims of sexual violence is a decision. I decide to believe and support them” Janeth Duarte, Honduras
Red My Lips is an international non-profit campaign designed to increase visibility and awareness of the realities and prevalence of sexual violence, while combating myths about rape and victim blaming. We run an annual global awareness and action campaign in which our supporters wear red lipstick or any iconic items throughout the month of April (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) to demonstrate solidarity and support for survivors.
Let’s talk about this, let’s at least start reflecting…
