In this #metoo movement, it’s important to understand that rape and acts of sexual violence are still prevalent in our society – particularly on college campuses where the protagonist Nicky’s rape occurs. At the time, Nicky didn’t feel she had any support to help her to deal with her trauma so she could stay in school and finish her degree. Instead, she ran as far away as possible and never looked back. We must do better in creating spaces for sexual assault victims to get the proper help they need, both legally and emotionally.

 

This film project is an important step towards realizing and understanding the complexities of sexual assault trauma and is a story that should be shared to get other women, like Nicky – who have been managing their trauma for decades, or young Nicky, who are forced to manage their trauma - that they are not alone and there is help out there.

 

Discussing sexual violence and assault is an uncomfortable space. We shy away from it because we think it has to do with “sex” and not the violent assault that ensues. Until we can have conversations with all genders to understand the trauma of rape, we will continue to converse in silos – not knowing if anyone else is dealing with the same trauma. It is time that we take the stigma out of these conversations and begin to understand the importance of knowing, identifying, supporting, and providing a safe space for victims of sexual violence.