"1 out of 4 B4 13"

One out of four girls will be sexually molested before they hit the age of thirteen. Yep, that's here in the good ol' US of A. I don't know about you, but I find that number to be shocking and unacceptable. This is a mixed media piece I just did in May for the Las Semanas project (see March archive). It is a form of social activism. Change starts with public awareness. So, if you didn't know, now you do. What can you do? Raise the level of public awareness. Talk about it. If you are a victim, find someone to talk to about it. If you know someone who is a victim, let them talk about it. Talk to your children about it. You'll find a great website/link/information on Oprah's site if you want to find out more. For those who are victims, it shouldn't become a dirty little secret. I am amazed at the responses I get from this piece. Many women will say, "I was one of them". Others become tight-lipped and look furtively away. I think what's important is that stepping forward does not make you less of a person or tainted. We are always afraid of how others will see us. What's more important, though is how you see yourself. When a wound is healing, initially, it does require protection. Then, in order for it to heal completely, the bandage must come off for fresh air to get at it. Recognize the need for this for yourself.