By Sandro Bäbler

 

During my research before I travelled to South Africa to work, I stumbled across several articles in which was reported that the highest incidence of rape in the world is in South Africa.

Shocked by this fact, I delved into this in greater detail and, inter alia, I contacted the Rape-Crisis organisation. This contact with Rape-Crisis had to do with the idea of realising a private project on the people affected with the aim of drawing attention to the issue and supporting the victims.

In a personal discussion with me, Rape-Crisis explained that one of the main problems was the “secrecy” of rape. Only one of 13 raped women (or men!) dared to talk about what had happened to them. Sexual violence is a taboo subject. Victims are threatened or “one” is simply not allowed to talk about it so as not to destroy the family spirit as, very often, rape takes place within the family or circle of acquaintances, sometimes over several years. It is quite possible that other family members know about the wickedness, but also remain silent. Nobody wants to believe that the “favourite uncle” is capable of such a thing, so it is simply swept under the carpet.

Often the victims are told that it was their own fault. Many men and women do not even know that it is an offence. The victims have no chance to talk about their experience to others and do not know that there is a contact point. Thus, the idea of ​​launching a poster campaign was born, a campaign which would tackle the organisation and the theme of “don’t remain silent – talk about it”.

Via social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), we were able to find victims who volunteered to realise the images with us in the campaign to help their fellow sufferers and companions. All of the victims wanted to talk about their experiences, more than half had never talked about it.

The “models” were allowed to stipulate how much of their faces they wanted to show. The shooting day itself was very emotional. During the shooting, the women were cared for by the organisation and had a personal conversation. On that day, we experienced many beautiful, funny, relieving, but also aching and sad moments.

The result is a poster campaign that is still shown today in Cape Town. Faces more or less concealed by statements from victims who want to share their feelings with others to act as encouragement. A thousand thanks to those courageous people who made themselves available for this campaign – it was wonderful to work with you. My greatest respect to you for your efforts to support others who have been affected!

Special thanks to the project sponsors, too:

broncolor Light Equipment by: Pieter Badenhorst and his Team from Photohire, South Africa

Renee de Sambento > Hair & Make-Up
Emma Buckland with Melissa Oellermann > Organisation, Transport & Catering
Philipp Häcki > Layout – posters
Trident Press > Printing of the posters

Interview on the subject with ELLE magazine:
http://www.elle.co.za/sandro-baebler-photographs-rape-survivors/

or here:
http://www.roidigital.co.za/blog/dont-hide-speak-out-r-o-i-media-talks-to-rape-crisis/

 

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Sandro Bäbler is a portrait, advertising and editorial photographer. He grew up in Mollis Switzerland – a little mountain village – where he spent his time snowboarding, hiking, eating chocolate and playing in the snow. He studied graphic design in Zurich. It was during his studies that Sandro discovered his passion for photography, built his own portfolio and started working as a photographer. His work has appeared in ELLE, GQ and L’OFFICIEL HOMMES, and he’s done portraits of notable people and celebrities. Today Sandro works between Europe and the States. In addition to photography he has started to complement his projects with videography.

In 2015 Anja Mueller partnered with Sandro’s photography business. The cheese addict also grew up in Switzerland. She had a wonderful childhood with lots of hobbies – just ask her for a quick game of table tennis! After a commercial education in real estate management, a degree in architecture, and some stopovers practicing these, she finally found her true affection in assisting, producing and travelling with Sandro.

Clients Annabelle Magazine | ELLE Magazine | Credit Suisse | GQ Magazine | L`OFFICIEL HOMMES Magazine | Mercedes-Benz Magazin | Peugeot | SCHÖN! Magazine | Swarovski | TÉLÉRAMA Magazine | The Wrap Magazine | Woolworths

www.sandrobaebler.com