Brazil’s 16-year-old gang rape survivor speaks out

World Today

A still from the TV Record interview with Brazil’s 16-year-old gang rape survivor.

“I woke up in a totally different place with one man under me, one on top and two holding my hand,” recalled a Brazilian gang rape survivor in a local television interview.

CCTV America’s Lucrecia Franco reports on the outrage in the streets of Brazil.

This 16-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, who has chosen to remain anonymous, says that, on the evening of May 21st, she was raped and drugged by more than 30 men.

This heinous crime has triggered an outcry in a country where rape cases often go unreported.

Despite the support she has received, the girl says she is also dealing with victim blaming. Some have even sent her death threats.

“It not only hurt me. It hurt my soul because people judged me. People blamed me, even though it wasn’t my fault,” added the survivor.

A week following the assault, around May 28th, video and photos showing the alleged victim undressed and unconscious began to be circulated on Twitter.

Through social media networks, the video has sent shockwaves across the country and across the globe.

On Wednesday, thousands of women flooded the streets of Rio and other major Brazilian cities to protest against what they call a “culture of rape.”

On social media, many have expressed their support by using #EstuproNuncaMais (Say no to rape).

Many, including celebrities, have condemned victim-blaming by using #EstuproNaoÉCulpaDaVitima (Rape is not the victim’s fault).

Meanwhile, as the police continue to track suspects, three individuals have been arrested and many more brought in for questioning.