Let's Talk About Rape — Empowering survivors, changing the narrative

I am a survivor of rape—a premeditated, calculated, predatory act—and I have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Ciara

Drug-rape survivor from Ireland

My name is Ciara Mangan, and I am a survivor of rape—a premeditated, calculated, predatory act—and I have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. What was done to me no longer makes me feel inadequate, small, damaged, broken, or victimised, and this is reflected in these photos.

In fact, today I hold my head high with pride and self-belief.

Why wouldn’t I?

After all, I survived!

What someone did to me does not define who I am, determine what I do, or hold me back from creating the life I choose to live. I can thankfully stand here today with a smile on my face and look back in awe at how far I’ve come and how hard I’ve fought. I fought to the bitter end to be here today—back in my hometown, taking these empowering photos and participating in this bold and inspiring campaign. I deserve to reclaim my power with confidence and to reclaim my life! So, let’s talk about it—Let’s Talk About Rape®!

Let’s Talk About Rape® is a collaborative, therapeutic project empowering survivors to reclaim their narratives. Through self-portraiture using a shutter release cable, participants set their own agenda as a tool for healing.

Ciara, County Mayo, Ireland, 2024

Rape culture is more than locker room banter; it’s a deep-rooted, dangerous societal issue, cowardly disguised and minimised as “just a bit of fun,” “just a joke,” or “nothing serious.”

Ciara

Sexual violence is an earth-shattering crime that affects every part of your being. It almost killed me more times than I can remember. Not only am I a survivor of rape, but I am also a survivor of those who actively condone, tolerate, and applaud it. Rape culture is more than locker room banter; it’s a deep-rooted, dangerous societal issue, cowardly disguised and minimised as “just a bit of fun,” “just a joke,” or “nothing serious.” But let me tell you this: that couldn’t be further from the truth!

I worked alongside people who openly commended and enabled what the man who raped me did. They watched as I went into an unconscious state. They ignored the horror unfolding before their eyes as the rapist took the opportunity to assault my defenceless body and mind. They chose not to prevent my rape.

Ciara, County Mayo, Ireland, 2024

They sang ‘rape songs’ at work and participated in the relentless abuse of a rape victim who needed help and support. Instead, they abused me with belly laughter and vulgar comments like, “Shane Noonan is a rapist and he loves to rape women.” So, let me ask you this: what is so funny about that? What would you do if you witnessed this happening? Would you step up to protect the victim? Would you join in with the so-called ‘fun’? Or would you choose to stand by and do nothing because it’s better not to get involved?

Here’s a little hint: only one of those options is correct. What scares me most is how few people would actually choose to do the right thing. We have to ask ourselves: what is this telling us? How are we, as members of a shared society, treating those who are most vulnerable? How can we prevent further harm and encourage survivors so that when they bravely share their truth, they will be treated with dignity, believed, and protected?

Why are so many people choosing to do nothing? These are very relevant and pressing concerns in our world today, and they’re causing serious harm to so many lives. Our attention needs to focus on what each and every one of us can do to address these prevalent issues in attitudes, stigmas, beliefs, and cultural norms. This is everyone’s problem, and we all play a role in changing the script.

Through my painful experiences, I’ve found my purpose in life. What brings me meaning is realising my strengths and using them—and what was done to me—to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I feel empowered by sharing my passion and using my voice to advocate for fellow survivors. I’m using this precious life I so courageously held on to and reclaimed to do for others what others failed to do for me: to ensure the rightful treatment and protection of victims so that when they share their story and hand the shame back to the perpetrator, they will be safe and supported to heal and recover. That is the very least of what we deserve.

Ciara

My name is Ciara Mangan, and I am a proud survivor of rape and workplace abuse. This is just the beginning for me, and I am honoured to be a part of this incredibly important and powerful campaign alongside such amazing, beautiful, and brave women.

Proud survivor of rape,
Ciara Mangan xoxo