She LL Project Exhibition March 5th- March 29th, 2009 Lothringerstr. 13

She LL Project had its first official exhibition from March 5th- March 29th, 2009 at Lothringerstr. 13 Contemporary Art Space/ Städtische Kunsthalle in Munich. 14 participants that were victims of sexual abuse from the ages of 10 to 65 years old and 5 participants that knew someone that had been sexually abused were presented in the installation. Two new participants came forward for the next exhibition. A female professor spoke about being sexually assaulted as a student. More than a few visitors mentioned the people they knew who have been assaulted. A mother and teenage daughter discussed sexual abuse while viewing the exhibition. A young man read all of the stories and then brought a male friend the next day to show him the dresses. Others simply said thank you.

 

 

A little bit of history

This is her story, but not a unique story. Over 15 years ago, a woman I know very well was violently raped in her home by a serial rapist. He broke into her house in the early hours while she was taking a shower. Three years later the rapist was finally arrested. At the trial the woman was portrayed as a "loose" unstable woman going through a divorce. The jury was convinced that they had consensual sex. This was the farthest from the truth. Although there were police reports and the evidence was clear, the jury believed this stereotypical portrayal and the rapist was charged as not guilty. Although he raped many women most of them were too afraid to come forward. Fortunately, there was one last trial and the jury convicted him to life in prison.
This is one story, but not a unique story.

The cycle must be broken.