Survivors of sexual violence surround us-every 73 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted-and no one built memorials to them, until now. The memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence, located in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the country's first permanent, public memorial to honor survivors of sexual violence.

 
Sarah Super, Break the Silence founder, launched the initiative for the memorial to honor survivors of sexual violence after surviving a horrific sexual assault. The memorial was inspired by the hundreds of stories shared. In 2015, Damon Farber Landscape Architects began their collaboration in creating the design concept for the memorial. The memorial site was donated by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and provides a view of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis skyline. The memorial stands on the land of the Dakota Oyate and brings awareness to the high level of sexual assault experienced by indigenous people.
The memorial uses two prominent metaphors in the design: mosaic and a ripple effect. The mosaic represents that even broken pieces can be put together to create something whole and beautiful. The ripple effect represents the multiplying power of breaking the silence; by telling our stories, we unconsciously permit other survivors to tell theirs.
The mosaic metaphor was interpreted into design starting with the three monuments that anchor the outside edge of the memorial, beacons that welcome visitors as they approach. The design team thoughtfully directed the use of materiality, form, and color to give gravitas to the experience of survivors and worked collaboratively with Lori Greene, a mosaic artist and sexual assault survivor, throughout the design and construction process. The mosaic panels express the journey from feeling alone and frightened back toward connections within the community.
Along the edge of each column is a polished black granite spine engraved with words of support - You are Not Alone, I Believe You, We Stand with You. Each column is capped with a crown illuminating the journey and providing a thousand points of light and hope.
After passing the last column, visitors are led into the circle that creates a gathering space, first crossing a threshold of broken stone paving representing shattered lives and communities. The plaza floor of colored concrete is sandblasted in a pattern of rippling rings like water, that radiate outward overlapping each other. Each ripple represents the courage of each survivor to break the silence and share their story.
Selecting high-quality, locally sourced materials from within Minnesota was critical. Plantings were selected with low water and low maintenance considerations. Damon Farber made a substantial contribution of over $75,000 to the memorial, offering both pro bono work and services at cost. Furthermore, additional project partners either donated or offered services and materials at reduced costs to support this project.
To bring the memorial from design into fruition, it took five years of fundraising, courage, and sacrifice led by Super. This memorial is the country's first. It will not be the last.