The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is pleased to be included in the Artful Sentiments exhibit sponsored by the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The coalition, along with sister organizations around the country, has spent 25 years recognizing and combating the problem of sexual violence. Unfortunately, much work remains to be done.

The FBI reports that sexual assault is the only category of violent crime which continued to rise in reported incidence during the 1990s. It is also, according to the FBI, the violent crime least likely to be reported to law enforcement. According to a 1992 study by the National Victim Center, 1.3 women are raped each minute in the U.S., adding up to 683,00 assaults per year. The National Institute of Justice estimates that at least 92,700 men are raped each year in the United States.

The coalition knows that the effects of sexual assault start with the victims but then ripple out to family, friends, neighbors and whole communities with consequences for years to come. We are grateful that the work of the artists participating in the exhibit reflects the personal, social, emotional and physical costs of sexual violence; as well as conveying the message that survivors of sexual assault can, and do, heal.

The exhibit provides a unique opportunity for art-lovers to display art which portrays the strength of the human spirit in the face of devastating assault and offer financial support to an organization dedicated to ending sexual violence.

- Denise Washington, Executive Director

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