New graphic novel challenges views on sexual violence in immigrant communities

A new graphic novel is challenging stereotypes of sexual violence in immigrant communities.

Telling Our Stories: Immigrant Women's Resilience, was created by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.

The goal of the book is to jump start a conversation in communities where sexual violence is considered taboo, said Krittika Ghosh, the senior coordinator for the organization's violence against women program.

"We wanted something that ... wasn't just a lecture or a poster or the same old materials," Ghosh said.

"We've had so many campaigns, we wanted this to be impactful and [something] people from all backgrounds and literacy levels could read and identify with."

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The book contains four stories based on the experiences of refugee and immigrant women with sexual violence, Ghosh said.

And to remain true to the people they represented, Ghosh said the organization enlisted the help of artists from immigrant and refugee communities.

"We did creative writing workshops with 10-person groups," Ghosh said. "They had very diverse experiences [with sexual violence,] marital, sexual harassment in university, intersecting with Islamophobia."

The book also attempts to provide instruction for people who may find themselves as bystanders during incidents of sexual violence.

"[The book] is not just for survivors," Ghosh said. " It's also for you as a community member, saying what do you do?"

The novels, which were first published in English and French, will now also be available in nine other languages including Urdu, Punjabi, Dari, Arabic, Tamil, Armenian, Somali, Chinese, and Spanish. They are available for free at organizations across the province, and through the OCASI website.

There will be a book launch in Sudburyon Friday Aug.25 at the Lexington Hotel on Brady Street between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The event is organized in partnership with YMCA Sudbury. Anyone can register to attend online.