O-WOW's WHY | Writings on the Wall

The WHY behind O-WOW's work. Sexual violence is a prevalent crime in this country. The driving force behind the work we do is the

horrific truth that, as a society, survivors are shamed and blamed for the crime done to them, as if there was one golden thing that they could

have done differently to prevent sexual violence or intimate partner violence.

Let’s talk about the numbers:

51.1%

In a 2010 survey of 9,970 women completed by The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported that 51.1% of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner and 40.8% by an acquaintance.

81.3%

In a 2018, 81.3% of women reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape by age 25, with most victimizations happening in early life.

1 out of 6

According to RAINN, 1 out of 6 women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

Stop the Stigma - Break the Shame

I. Was. Raped. And. I'm. Not. To. Blame.

If I said, "no," "stop," "I don't want to," then he should have listened.

My body - My choice. Just because we once had an intimate relationship, doesn't mean you own my body.

There's so many layers to why I stayed. Don't call me stupid for staying because the last time I tried to leave, I ended up in the hospital.

I shouldn't be afraid to report the harm that was done to me.

Too many women can still look one another in the eye and say, "ME TOO!"

I shouldn't have to convince you that I mean NO.

I was passed out, I could not consent.

94% and 30%

According to RAINN, 94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape and 30% 9 months after the rape.

33%

Of women who are raped contemplated suicide and 13% who are raped attempted suicide.

3x

Women ages 18-24 who are college students are 3 times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence. More than 50% of college sexual assaults occur in either August, September, October, or November.

33%

Of rapes are committed by a current, or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend.