Join Red Lipped Warriors this April against Rapists
In a campaign that is quickly turning viral, women (and men) are choosing a brightly visible proclamation against rapists and society’s tradition of blaming the victim for her own assault!
Red My Lips is an international nonprofit organization raising awareness about sexual violence and the myths surrounding rape. Wear red lipstick in the month of April (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) to show your solidarity and support for a campaign that teaches Rapists are responsible for rape – NOT drinking, short skirts or makeup!
Danielle Tansino is the founder and creator of the Red My Lips campaign. As a clinical social worker and an outpatient therapist, Tansino was herself a victim of sexual assault in 2011. She experienced first hand the victim-blaming mentality of the social and legal structures which advocate that a girl is ‘asking for it’ if she chooses to dress in an attractive manner or behave in a certain way. The campaign aims to show support for survivors and start important conversations around the prevalence and truth of rape and sexual assault.
We frequently misunderstand rape and sexual assault as something provoked by uncontrollable sexual attraction or desire…instead of what it is: an act of domination, entitlement, and violence.
At its inception in 2012, the Red My Lips campaign quickly spread to 40 countries, with women and men quickly coming on board to show their support and add their voice to the campaign. “This was clearly a conversation people were desperate to have.” said Tansino. “I honestly expected just 40 or so of my friends and co-workers to participate. The response has been overwhelming.”
In South Africa, Brig. Seimela Nkoshilo, a statistician in the police’s research and statistics unit, has shared that 49,376 rapes were reported to the police in 2012/13. As reporting of rape is notoriously under reported (estimates range between 4 and 11.1% of victims report the crime) the actual extent of sexual assault crime in South Africa is much higher. |
For Tansino, the greatest achievement of the campaign has been the number of survivors who have contacted her personally, sharing with her the fact that for the first time they no longer blame themselves for their attack. Many have told no-one for fear of the shame and blame others would inflict on them. The Red My Lips campaign allows survivors to actually SEE blatant support in the faces of others around them.
How to Participate in the Red My Lips Campaign:
Since their symbol is red lips, RML encourage supporters to incorporate red lips in some (visible) way for the month of April.
- Ask a loved one to give you a red lipstick kiss and leave it on your face each day. (Ask ONE time and respect their answer. This is a great opportunity to practice consent!)
- Wear a RML temporary tattoo (if you have one)
- Paint one nail red or (better yet!) paint red lips on your nails!
- Wear clothes or accessories that have red lips or lip prints on them.
- Print a large picture of red lips and put it on the back window of your car with the words “Red My Lips” and the website.
- Wear red lipstick for a photo and set it as your profile pic, making sure to link to the cause.
- Leave a lipstick print on your dog and take them for a walk. :)
To learn more about the organization and get involved, please check out their website.
Follow their main page, by clicking ‘Like’ here –> Red My Lips.
Donate or Fund raise to the Red My Lips Campaign
Support South African Survivor Darian Ryan
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