Every Woman I Know is an ongoing portrait series of every woman I personally know who is a survivor of sexual violence that I’ve been developing for the last 6 years. Participants are photographed anonymously, & can opt to take a public portrait as well. Despite the safety in numbers & the #MeToo movement, many women still do not feel comfortable coming forward publicly - this is visibly represented by how many women only participate anonymously. Each woman submits a handwritten account of their experience(s) in their own words, and a questionnaire that is entirely opt-in - I ask that participants only answer questions they feel comfortable responding to. I have photographed 45 women for the project so far, only 5 have gone to the police (and 3 of the 5 were not taken seriously by law enforcement when they came forward, despite completing rape kits &/or providing other incriminating evidence). Only 2 of the 45 have seen the perpetrator(s) face repercussions for the violations of her space, soul, and body. In these exceedingly hostile times, the voices of women need to be echoed more than ever, our stories need to be heard. We as a collective community are reclaiming our voices and speaking our truths on the all-too-common experience of sexual violence, creating a space for all women (lgbtqia+, disabled, women of color, etc. have all participated in this ongoing body of work) to safely break their silences. By standing together, we can change the perception that this is not a serious or frequent issue, bringing attention to how necessary a shift is in our society's values.

My intention has been to create art that empowers these women by providing them the opportunity to heal through speaking out on experiences that have troubled them for too long. I know each time I share my own stories, I feel lighter, less inhibited by the shame that society burdens survivors with, and I hope to create that experience for all the women I know who have survived these traumas as well.

“I feel as if a heavy burden has been lifted and like I can finally move forward.” - Woman #23

“Thank you for being there for me and helping me through it toward understanding . . . you make me feel like my story is worth knowing.” - Woman #5.