Viola Davis is such an inspiring woman.
On Sunday, Viola paid tribute to sexual assault survivors at the Rape Foundation‘s annual brunch in Beverly Hills. The actress also was there to accept an award for her extensive work with the charity.
Related: Demi Lovato Comes Out In Support Of Rape & Sexual Assault Victims
In Davis’ emotional message, she makes note of her own experiences with sex abuse while also recalling the horrific incidents her sister and other loved ones faced. The celeb’s anecdotes are truly heartbreaking and they might trigger bad memories for those who’ve been affected by
According to V.D., sexual abuse was all too common and accepted when she was growing up in Rhode Island, revealing:
“Myself, my mother, my sisters, my friend Rebecca, my friend from childhood, we all have one thing in common: We are all survivors of sexual assault in some way, shape or form. Listen, when I was young, there were so many men in the neighborhood who gave you money if they could touch you. Going over to a friend’s house for a birthday party at the age of seven, there was always someone there who touched you. My sister Danielle was 8 years old when she was on roller skates and went down to the corner store at 1 o’clock in the afternoon and was sexually assaulted in the aisles. She told my mom right away ├óΓé¼ΓÇ£ my mom ran down to the store. The store owner’s response was: ‘He does that to all the little girls.'”
How disgusting.
The 51-year-old went on to add:
“My mom flagged down the police, and the perpetrator did pay. He paid. He was fined $10 a month. It’s over for him, but I’d like to redefine survivor. My sister is now a heroin addict, she’s a prostitute.”
Wow. We can’t even begin to imagine what Davis’ sister has been through.
Despite the dark nature of the speech, Viola ended on an inspirational note:
“Memories demand attention, because memories have teeth. That sexual assault perpetrator can move on. The only person who rapes is the rapist. The person who is left behind has to pay over, and over, and over again. Number one, if you have not visited the Rape Treatment Center or the Stuart House, you must. That’s all I’ll say, then I’ll let your heart do the rest. Number two, it’s like the famous Shakespeare quote: ‘To whom should I complain?’ If you have anyone in your life that you know, or if you don’t know is a rape survivor then listen because truly whatever you say, if you feel ashamed in any way of your story ├óΓé¼ΓÇ£ shame cannot exist if you tell it to people who have empathy. And number three, that in your mind today, listen. I’m with Emile Zola, I want to ‘live out loud’ I do.”
What wise words. We’re so glad the star has dedicated so much time and love to this organization.
[Image via WENN.]
Related Posts
-
Categories
