Laia Abril: the photographer bearing witness to rape
(The Guardian Culture News)

In a devastating exhibition, the Spanish artist depicts the clothes women, girls - and some men - were raped in. She talks about how her work reveals an epidemic of sexual violence - and how she copesAnnabella Sciorra is in court testifying about the night Harvey Weinstein knocked on her door. She alleges he raped her as she tried to fight him off. ``No! No! But I mean, there was not much I could do at that point - my body shut down.` Over the years, the court hears, she has experienced what she now recognises as `dissociative states`, drinking too much and cutting herself.What shocks me is how none of this shocks me. It is a familiar story. Weinstein´s team attempt to destroy her in court. Why didn´t she go to the police? Why did she take so long to speak out? Why didn´t she ask a co-star such as Sylvester Stallone to protect her? Yes, she was really asked this. Weinstein denies the charges. The jury started their deliberations on Tuesday. Continue reading...