From a First Time FACES Photographer
Tanya Cadwell, Volunteer and Victim Services Coordinator
Every April the SAVA Center observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), along with thousands of other agencies across the globe. There are a variety of local events that anyone can support to help raise awareness about sexual assault and join in solidarity with survivors. Awareness and education are key components in the fight to end gender based violence; we at SAVA hope that connecting with our community can support this goal.
The knowledge that SAVA shares with our clients and the public is based in scientific studies and research, often using statistics and empirical data to inform our practices, policies, and values as an organization. While data collection is critical to the work we do, sometimes I feel like I am drowning in numbers and it can be overwhelming. However, the FACES project is not that. This is a project that gives a face and a voice to the problem of sexual violence in our community through portraits of local survivors and their supporters, then displayed in an art gallery during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For me, there is nothing quite as impactful as the story that is told through a survivor’s photo. Each picture is a strong testament to that person’s journey for hope and empowerment, something that cannot be conveyed by another statistic. You can only imagine the storms that they have endured and how different, or even how similar, your lives may be. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but here, I would add that it’s worth a thousand emotions. We hope that viewers will connect with our FACES participants, knowing that sexual violence is a crime that impacts us all in some way or form.
Above all, this project is about empowerment. Sexual violence occurs when a person has been robbed of the power and control over their own bodies. Many survivors describe feeling helpless and overwhelmed in other aspects of their lives as a result of the violence. It can be difficult to regain that sense of power, and for some may take many months or years to recover and adapt to a new normal. We hope that this project serves as an empowerment tool for the humans that bravely took the plunge.
You may be thinking, what is so bad about having your photo taken? If you can imagine meeting a photographer for the first time, knowing that they know that you are a survivor and why you are there in the first place; not to mention the feelings or memories that may surface naturally during the shoot. Many people who experience sexual violence stow their secrets deep within themselves, perhaps hidden by shame, guilt, or fear. If they have shared their story, it is most likely to a small circle of people they trust. For the FACES project, folks get to share their journey and growth through photographs. And the sheer nature of being photographed is a vulnerable position to be in. Vulnerability is scary and requires a great deal of trust within yourself and the person you are with. Ironically, vulnerability demonstrates great bravery. When a person is willing to open themselves up to a new and possibly uncomfortable situation, that is a courageous and powerful act in itself.
As a first time FACES photographer, I was absolutely humbled by my experience. Rarely do I get to be a part of something that is so inspiring! I could not have imagined the incredible amount of trust and grace that was shown to me even after just meeting these people. In those brief interactions, I was honored with learning a small snippet of their lives and journeys. Their stories consisted of great sorrows, yet many had shared their accomplishments and pockets of joy in their healing. Admittedly, I cried, I laughed, and happily accepted hugs as they came. For those of you who I had the great joy to work with for FACES, I am so happy for the opportunity to meet every single one of you. Thank you.
All in all, I truly believe that there isn’t a person in this world that you wouldn’t relate to if you heard their story, no matter the context. Now, more than ever, it is especially important that we don’t allow survivors to be silenced or erased. If you are a survivor- please know that you are strong, capable, and you are not broken. We are proud of you and we are here for you.
Please join us for a virtual art gallery that will debut this year’s FACES photos, in addition to art and poetry submitted by survivors. The gallery will be available to view on SAVA’s Facebook page starting at 6:00pm on Friday, May 8th.