until Saturday 7 November 2020
Tues-Sat (Top Floor Gallery)
Tickets & information 01202 280000
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Created by Jayne Jackson, a MA Commercial Photography student from Arts University Bournemouth, using make-up artists, actors and historical photographic techniques, the exhibition features a series of ‘mugshots’ each representing a different decade and each depicting a reason to victim blame for example ‘Flirted’, ‘Wore Red’, or ‘Swiped Right’.
“Really it’s about changing attitudes to victim blaming,” says Jayne. “I want people to look at the mugshot image and really think about the degree of blame attributed to victims of sexual assault for things like what they wore, whether they were out late or even whether or not they could coherently recall the events. The pictures invite the viewer to question who is really to blame.”
Victim-blaming is the attitude that suggests the victim rather than the perpetrator is responsible for the assault and occurs when it is assumed that an individual did something to provoke the violence by actions, words, or dress.
“My initial inspiration for Asking for It originated from my disbelief on hearing a report on the suicide of a young woman following the acquittal of her alleged rapist,” Jayne explains. “During the trial she was made to hold up her underwear three times. The fact that the victim was being blamed, shamed and humiliated for an assault that she had allegedly suffered was haunting and formed the catalyst for the project. I wanted to create images that engaged and invited the viewer to question the aspect of blame and I am so pleased with the feedback so far and grateful to all involved, it seems to be making a positive difference and that is the important thing.”
The project has been supported by the charity STARS (www.starsdorset.org) and the faculty of psychology and law at Bournemouth University (BU).
“It’s not confrontational,” adds Jayne. “We’re presenting these images in a calm way and asking people to engage with them and talk about the issues they raise.”
Simone Gosden from STARS Dorset said: ‘‘From the start we have been keen to support this photography project, the images are incredibly impactful and convey a powerful message. STARS Dorset is committed to delivering quality services to survivors of sexual violence throughout Dorset.
“We believe that projects that challenge victim blaming culture and educate the public and future jurors are vital in improving the experiences of survivors. Conviction rates for sexual assault and rape remain low and much of this is due to how victims of this particular crime are viewed. We hope with projects such as Asking For It people will begin to question their views.”
STARS is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life.
Support can be reached via their helpline on 01202 308855 or by visiting www.starsdorset.org.
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