The Monument Quilt Comes to Town: Support Victims of Rape and Abuse

In the afternoon of August 19, residents of Chicago will witness stories from survivors of sexual violence stitched together on 200 bright, red quilt squares.

The Monument Quilt will be on display from 1pm to 5pm on Daley Plaza. Larger than two basketball courts put together, the quilt is traveling the United States this summer as part of an ongoing project to create public healing space for survivors of rape and abuse.

During a twelve-city tour, The Monument Quilt will be displayed at public parks, town squares, college campuses and high school football fields from White River, SD to Queens, NY.

[pullquote]“Survivors who seek Rape Victim Advocates’ services often share how painful and traumatic it is to not be believed or supported by their friends, family, police, or others,” says Sharmili Majmudar, Executive Director of Rape Victim Advocates (RVA). “For many, RVA is the first space they’ve felt respected and safe. Hosting the Monument Quilt in Chicago is a way for us to create that sense of support in a much more public way, and a step towards creating the compassionate community that survivors need and deserve.[/pullquote]

“This summer’s tour will create a national conversation about supporting survivors of rape and abuse,” says Rebecca Nagle, co-director of Force, the group behind the quilt project. “We are honored that through local organizations and activists, Chicago is not only part of this national conversation, but also is leading it. Together we will create a culture where survivors are publicly supported.The Chicago display of the quilt is part of Force:Upsetting Rape Culture’s summer tour across the country https://themonumentquilt.org/public-monument-to-rape-survivors-tours-the-united-states/ to learn more about the tour and how to get involved in the project.

Display Lead Coordinators:
Rape Victim Advocates and Mujeres Latinas en Accion

Supporting Partners
1. Project NIA
2. Chicago Taskforce on Violence Against Girls & Young Women
3. Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
4. Project&
5. Adrienne Spires
6. Jane M Hussein Saks
7. Chicago Women’s Health Center
8. Affinity Community Services

For more information on becoming a supporting partner of the Chicago display, please email events@rapevictimadvocates.org