We Too

“Only about 10 out of 100 sexual abuse crimes are reported and 3 of those get to court. Sadly, only one of those is likely to get a conviction” -https://www.helpauckland.org.nz/ "We Too" is a website in development for artists experiencing or that have experienced sexual harm. A space for those who have been silenced and somewhere to provide information for safe practices within the workforce. So many artists have left the creative industries due to feeling unsafe and unsupported. We aim to not only provide a platform for information on healing and healthy release but provide a space for these artists to showcase their work and give them an online presence. We hope to include discussions with a variety of preexisting organisations, for instance HELP, onset intimacy coaches, Screen Woman’s Action Group etc. We hope that this website can also be a useful tool to show creative works during COVID-19 when we are unable to attend and participate in art in the spaces and forms we usually would, such as shows, installations etc. This could look like artists submitting recorded theatre pieces, as well as anything from visual art to poetry that touches on specifically sexual assault, trauma and healing. Our Team - Cinta Damerell Ashleigh Williams Madeleine Knowles Elizabeth Winders Hannah Clerk We are a group of emerging creatives passionate about shifting the way we collaborate. With a wide range of experience across different disciplines. Professionally trained in acting, design and management across film and theatre we are a powerhouse of creative force. Prioritising individuals mental health and starting a conversation around safe practices within the arts. With consent as one of our core group values. We met attending drama school and throughout our time all saw the lack of support for sexual assault survivors in the institution. We pushed for change having large discussions with our university about student and staff code of conduct along with policies involving serious misconduct (specifically to do with sexual harm). While we saw some change in policy and the introduction of a sexual abuse workshop we were dissatisfied with the results. Coming out of university and into the industry we continue to see a huge lack of movement towards prevention and a more common "she'll be right" damage control mentality. From wider conversations with other fellow artists, as well as across other industries, sexual harm is not few and far but rather the norm. This NEEDS to change. We are currently applying for Creative New Zealand funding for money for a lease on a workspace to ensure a healthy and curated space to work around this sensitive content, counselling for our team to ensure we are able to hold this work in a sustainable way, wages for the team and website development costs. However there is lots to achieve and we are going to need some more help. We are asking that while we build this community that our existing communities and anyone else who wants to support this work donate what they feel they can. These donations will go towards - Advertising (Including [but not limited to] Instagram ads, facebook ads, Phantom billboards) External mentorship and workshop fees to help guide us in this content and keep us well informed and educated. For example we may seek help from The Sexual Abuse Prevention Network who provide specialist advice on creating policies and procedures around sexual abuse. Camera equipment to create content for the website Art and office supplies Outside of donations please feel free to reach out to us if there is any other way you feel you could help. Ngā Mihi We too, want change.