By: Patricia Adams, I Have The Right To Org, and Survivors of Sexual Assault 

This past November, when so many students were preparing for a restful Thanksgiving break, a diverse group of high schoolers from around the area and country gathered in Washington, DC for the 9th annual Georgetown Day School (GDS) Summit on Sexual Assault and Consent.  Survivors and community members came together to discuss the very human issues surrounding sexual assault.  

In celebration of its many years of participating with the Summit, I Have The Right To, a Washington, DC based 501 c 3 non profit, founded by high school survivor Chessy Prout and her family, gifted an exhibit honoring the stories of twelve survivors, who now range in age from 18 – 62 years of age. In working with survivors, the exhibit evolved into something very meaningful for this diverse group from around the country: survivors shared an item from their journey, as well as an expression of what they hoped students could learn from their experience, as told in their words in panels around their items. This manifested into a dramatic gallery installation of personal artifacts, and poignant hopes for a better future for those who attended the exhibition.  

However, ultimately the space – the first of its kind to our knowledge, became more than just an exhibit. It became  a platform for courageous individuals to share their lived experiences, shedding light on the realities behind the numbers often cited in conversations about sexual assault. 

In this room, these stories were brought to life:

The story of a young boy who told almost no one about the sexual abuse he endured until he reached the average age of disclosure, 52, a reminder of the long-lasting silence many survivors endure. A college campus survivor whose assault occurred during “The Red Zone,” the period of time after the start of fall classes before Thanksgiving when students are most vulnerable to sexual violence. A survivor of peer-on-peer victimization in her school, bravely speaking about her school’s troubling response when she reported, and challenging the pervasive culture of silence. A survivor whose story reminds us that less than 1% of sexual assault victims will go to trial and see their perpetrator convicted, and many more bravely sharing their truth and breaking the barrier of silence. 

The heart of this exhibit lay not only in the narratives but also in the deeply personal items that accompanied them. Each item told a story as unique and moving as the survivor who shared it- the garment she wore, a card game they could no longer play, a book long untouched, the pair of underwear from childhood, a baseball glove, or a toy plush horse. Chessy Prout shared the paper cranes made for her as a gift of hope and healing from her previous school community overseas. Another survivor shared with us the dress and blazer she wore on the first day of her testimony against a cruel and uncaring school community. Nancy, a survivor and I Have The Right To board member, created an interactive element- a drum, with motivational stickers and phrases, which we encouraged survivors to strike. These items added a visceral layer to the experience, connecting attendees with the human reality behind each account. What began as a simple idea—a clothing-focused exhibit—evolved into something far more profound. 

When I first pitched this project months ago, I envisioned showcasing clothing as a visual representation of survivor stories. I was dabbling with the title “The Souls in the Clothes”. However, as we worked with each survivor interested in participating, I could see that the items they felt inspired to share would be far more powerful. It became a space where survivors could reclaim their narratives and express themselves in ways that felt authentic and meaningful. As I watched the exhibit evolve, I knew it would need a new title. It seemed like a perfect alignment when the summit theme, “Every Statistic Has a Story,” was announced—capturing exactly what this exhibit was meant to showcase.

While statistics can capture attention and raise awareness, they are only part of the picture. Behind every number is a real person with a journey marked by courage, resilience, and healing. To fully address and combat sexual violence, it is imperative that this is understood. We must see the people behind the statistics, those fueling the movement. This exhibit served as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to create communities where survivors feel safe, supported, and protected. Each story shared reinforced the need for action—not just in listening to survivors but in fostering environments that prevent harm and promote respect.

As I reflect on the journey to create this exhibit, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride for the members of the team who helped make this exhibit a success and for the brave survivors who entrusted me with sharing their story. It truly did take a village, and we owe a wealth of gratitude to Georgetown Day School students Shaila and Sophia for their support and dedication to the project. Our incredible board member, Nancy, crafted stunning posters that visually captured each survivor’s story and brought their narratives to life in a way that was both respectful and impactful. For those who chose to participate, it was an honor to work with them and to ensure their voices were represented with care and dignity. For those who declined, their decision was met with understanding and respect, reinforcing our commitment to survivor autonomy.

The feedback we’ve received has been deeply moving. Survivors who participated expressed gratitude for having their stories shared in such a meaningful way. Attendees of the summit, including students, educators, and community members, shared words of appreciation, noting the exhibit’s profound impact. Several educators from other schools have already expressed interest in bringing this exhibit to their campuses, a testament to its power and potential to inspire broader conversations about sexual violence and prevention. The stories and items in this exhibit also highlight why survivors and schools alike choose to work with I Have The Right To. This organization is built on a foundation of support for survivors and the transformative power of education. We are united by a shared mission: to empower young people with the knowledge and tools they need to create change. 

This exhibit’s success reminds me that creating meaningful change requires collaboration, connection, and trust. I am endlessly grateful to everyone who contributed to this exhibit, from the survivors who trusted us with their stories to the team members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. This exhibit represents more than just an event; it’s a movement toward empathy, understanding, and action. By sharing these stories, we remind ourselves that behind every statistic is a human life, a lived experience, and a voice that deserves to be heard. I am honored to have been part of this journey and look forward to seeing the ripple effect of this work in schools and communities beyond. Together, we can create a world where survivors are supported, and systemic change becomes a reality.