What do sunflowers have to do with sexual violence?

In December 2017, Abby knew she wanted to advocate for survivors of sexual violence, but she didn’t know where to start. Abby knew firsthand the struggles survivors face while trying to heal such as constant victim blaming from society, a lack of resources for survivors, and facing triggers daily. Abby also found that whenever she would try to have conversations about sexual violence, she would face hesitation and was often told it was too taboo to talk about in public. All these experiences manifested into feelings of guilt, even though it wasn’t her fault at all.

Abby thought that there had to be a way to start conversations with people about sexual violence that would show survivors in a uplifting and empowering way. Abby also knew that survivors like herself needed a positive metaphor to cling to. And one night, it hit her: sunflowers.

Sunflowers are one of nature’s strongest flowers. Sunflowers stand tall and grow even in the toughest droughts, and no matter where they are planted, they will turn to face the sun. The urban legends even say on the cloudiest of days, sunflowers will turn towards each other for light. 

With the most beautiful metaphor for survivors of sexual violence, Abby’s passion bloomed into life. Sunflowers Against Sexual Assault (formerly known as The Sunflower Project) was founded in December 2017, and since then, has spread the message across the country that survivors of sexual violence are just like sunflowers because they can survive, thrive, and bloom again after their assault.