Survivor

INDI SHEAD

CW: sexual assault and harassment, body image

Photography has been a means of reclaiming the female body. Through producing, creating, modelling and photographing, the female presenting body - a political site of sexualisation and contention -is regained back into the personal sphere. My body has been taken from me, sexualised, abused, and stripped of autonomy. I created this piece to gain ownership over my body and over what I share, and to reclaim the insults and harassment I have endured. The presence of natural body hair and skin is labelled as ‘gross’ and ‘dirty,’ where men have sexualised flawless hairless skin (that akin to childhood). Women and genderqueer people are called a ‘bitch,’ a ‘liar,’ ‘ugly’ or ‘fake’ if they reject men’s advances, where ‘no’ is not considered a valid answer. This project allowed me to become more comfortable in my body and showcase the harm that harassment and assault has on survivors. To anyone who has survived harassment or assault, you are never alone, you are believed, and it will get better.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, harassment, or finds this content triggering or causing distress in any way, you can reach out to the support services listed below: ANU Counselling email: counselling.centre@anu.edu.au website: ANU Counselling – ANU The ANU Wellbeing and Support Line available 24/7 phone: 1300 05 0327 SMS: 0488 884 17 ACT Access Mental Health is a 24-hour mental health emergency access and support service. Phone: 1800 629 354 or 6205 1065 1800 RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 1800 RESPECT provides phone or online support for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence. 1800 RESPECT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Phone: 1800 737 732 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, Crisis Line (02) 6247 2525