[GALLERY + VIDEO]: Sexual abuse – it is not your fault
“We need to desperately change the status quo regarding this - the shame does not belong to the victim at all.” - Miss SA 2019 runner-up, Sasha-Lee Olivier.
On November 4, Sasha-Lee Olivier, who was sexually abused as a child, chose to support, inspire and help girls, boys, women and men who have had a similar experience.
This was announced as part of her Miss World ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ campaign launch #ItsNotYourFault.
Yes, Sasha-Lee Olivier from Brackendowns is not only runner-up in the Miss SA 2019 competition, but she will also join contestants from around the world in London on December 14 to represent SA at the Miss World pageant.
Victims are not to blame
“A very deep sense of shame accompanies rape and long-term sexual abuse. Those who have suffered at the hands of the predators and perpetrators feel responsible for their own abuse and are profoundly ashamed of what is happening, or has happened, to them.
“We need to desperately change the status quo regarding this – the shame does not belong to the victim at all,” she said.
“I want to use my slogan #ItsNotYourFault to show both women and men that they are in no way to blame for what has been done to them.”
As part of her campaign, Sasha-Lee will reach out to people reporting a sexual attack at police stations because, she said, “These people are at their most vulnerable at this time.”
She cites the fact that earlier this year, 80 per cent of police stations in South Africa have had no medical rape kits at their disposal.
“This means the woman or girl (or boy or man) has to sit with the feel, smell and semen of the attacker still on and in them, unable to wash or change until evidence is taken from them. They could wait traumatised for hours.”
WATCH:
Comfort packs
Sasha-Lee is determined to assist women and men on an emotional level, as that was one of the things she wished for when reporting her case.
That is the reason why she distributes rape comfort packs that accompany her #ItsNotYourFault campaign.
“I hope these rape comfort packs, which provide many basic hygiene products, a teddy bear, sugar, and a personalised card assuring them the attack is not their fault, will offer a moment of dignity to the wounded soul in what possibly could be the worst moment of their lives.
“I want those assaulted to know they are not alone; that they are seen and heard and that their dignity has not been impaired because they have been sexually assaulted.”
Her efforts are being supported by The Angel Network and active citizen Penny Stein who are helping her reach out to sexual abuse survivors across South Africa, with the distribution of thousands of rape comfort packs.
A desire to make a difference
Sasha-Lee said: “One in three women in South Africa has had some form of unwelcome sexual encounter before the age of 15. It is a shocking statistic and I am one of them.”
So, when she walks the ramp at Miss World in December, she will take with her a fervent desire to make a difference in the lives of women, children and men who feel alienated, alone and filled with self-loathing after being sexually abused.
Miss South Africa organisation CEO, Stephanie Weil, said, “We are delighted to announce that Sasha-Lee will represent us at the prestigious Miss World competition.
“We intend to support her in every possible way with her Beauty with a Purpose campaign.
“Gender-based violence is a scourge everywhere in the world, but never more so than here in South Africa where the statistics are alarmingly high.
“We know that she will succeed at shining a much-needed spotlight on this issue and highlighting the need to act, to put an end to sexual abuse.”
About Sasha-Lee
• She was born in Eden Park, lived in Palm Ridge and finally spent her time growing up in Brackendowns.
• She attended Glenview Primary and Bracken High.
• She is the eldest of three sisters.
• She holds family bonds close to her heart.
• She loves the view of the city at night time from tall buildings.
• She enjoys fishing and is an art lover.
• She loves vintage video games.
• On the wilder side she has flown in a fighter jet and she experienced the thrill of barrel rolls and other cool stunts.
Don’t forget
Support her project the BackaBuddy. The BackaBuddy link to help raise funds for the rape comfort packs at R120 per pack.
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/sasha-lee-olivier
Information and photographs supplied by the Miss South Africa Organisation.
VIEW GALLERY:
