According to UN Women one out of three women have experienced sexual and/or physical violence at some point in their lives. In the EU 11 % of women have experienced some form of sexual violence since they were 15 years old, either by a partner or some other person (FRA study). Availability of data has increased in recent years, which simply proves the tragic situation worldwide and the urgent need for action. In order to further raise awareness and mark International Women’s Day the Embassy of Israel to Belgium and Luxembourg in cooperation with the President of the Belgian Senate Miss Defraigne screened the documentary Brave Miss World in Brussels, followed by a discussion with main protagonist Linor Abargil.

Brave Miss World tells the story of former Miss Israel Linor Abargil, who was abducted, stabbed, and raped in Milan at age 18. Only 6 weeks later she represented Israel in the Miss World 1998 competition and won the pageant. During her reign as Miss World she fought to put the serial rapist behind bars. Ten years later Abargil bravely confronted her experience as a victim of sexual assault and put up a blog in order to encourage other women to speak out about their trauma. Her encounters and her own path to becoming an activist and attorney for sexual assault survivors are documented in this moving and inspiring film on this invisible war.

 

Linor Abargil speaks with teens in South Africa, visits campuses in the U.S., sits with celebrities Joan Collins and Fran Drescher as they recall their experiences of sexual assault.

Her courage in speaking out about her experience is inspiring and at the same time raises public awareness about the ever-present epidemic of sexual violence while promoting the healing experience of speaking out. Abargil also emphasizes how crucial the first reactions are when survivors tell about their experiences: “I believe you, it’s not your fault, and I’m going to help you,” are the right approach instead of asking questions that might cause the victim to withdraw, remain silent and internalize the blame. This applies to family members, friends, police, lawyers, school administrators, and anyone to whom a rape survivor turns. The first words a victim hears are critical.