By: Laura Rodriguez

The rain did not stop Chicagoans from witnessing a display of stories from survivors of sexual assault and their allies stitched together on 200 hundred red quilt squares spelling ‘NOT ALONE’ outside the Daley Plaza on Tuesday evening.

Mujeres Latinas en Acción, in coalition with other local organizations joined, ‘The Monument Quilt,’ an organization that collects stories from survivors of rape and abuse along with messages of support from allies in the movement to create a public healing space for victims through the display of the quilt. The showcase is part of the ‘Force: Upsetting Rape Culture’ summer tour taking place across 13 states. It is designed to raise awareness of rape culture, as well as to end it.

“In our culture [sexual abuse] is a taboo subject,” said Nancy Juarez, Sexual Assault Counselor at Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “We need to re-educate people about sexual assault.” During the event, survivors shared their stories, including some in Spanish. Then, attendees wrote their reflections and added a square to the quilt if desired. Through these types of events, these organizations hope to create a culture where survivors are supported rather than shamed and reconnect them with the community.