Books and Merch
Book - “How The World Changes For Sexual Assault Survivors”
Snippets From The Book
This picture book uses the genderless-simple stick figure ‘Toto’ to represent the universality of the impact of assault trauma - the complexities of grief, anger, confusion, and exhaustion experienced by survivors.
Authored by Pragya, a survivor herself, over 1.5 years, she spoke to many survivors across different ages and genders in the urban spaces of India - and put together her debut book “How the World Changes for sexual assault survivors” - which lets one view the world through the eyes of Toto, a survivor.
“It is unfortunate how common yet isolated being a survivor of sexual assault is. To all the survivors out there, I see you. I hear you. I feel you. I am, with you” - Pragya Sikka
Pragya drew illustrations that became her voice, her means of navigating the aftermath of trauma. Through the eyes of Toto, readers will get a view of how the trauma of sexual assault might show up in every everyday life of a survivor. From booking a cab ride to intimacy with the partner, to a relationship with one’s own body.“As a survivor, as a victim, as a fighter - I hope you feel understood while reading this. I hope it helps you sit with difficult emotions - and process it. The book, this story is yours
As an ally, I hope you understand the difficult and complex emotions that a survivor feels. Emotions that they might not be able to put in words and emotions that cannot be put in words.
With love,
Pragya
Reviews
A phenomenal piece that will help so many people express themselves and hopefully change the narrative of violence and identity and call out a perpetrator. The beauty of the book is your honesty and vulnerability. More power to you and Toto .. I am now your forever Momo.
This beautiful, powerful, heartbreaking book is a must read - thank you for creating this for the world. My words will be far from adequate … but I hope that any of you who go through what you have gone through find support, safe spaces, and healing.
I just finished reading your book and am short of words. I cried. I was proud. I was angry. I experienced a range of emotions throughout. The words & sentences that you have chosen to express yourself and the emotions of every Toto out there are really commendable. Those drawings are really touching. This is genuinely the perfect book to make everyone view the world from a survivor's point of view .
Zines - A collection of 5 zines, which touch different aspects of the lives of a survivor
1) Was it My Fault?
This zine delves into the victim-blaming Toto faced and explores the internal struggle of self-doubt and questioning their own actions.
2) Intimacy After Assault
This zine explores the challenges faced by Toto in navigating intimacy after the assault. It portrays changes in desires, communication, and boundaries.
3) Sleep, Dreams, and Nightmares
This zine explores the disturbed sleep patterns and the chilling presence of nightmares that replay the trauma. It delves into the impact on their daily life, the struggle to find rest, and the yearning for peaceful sleep.
4) Denial, Anger, and Grief In The Life Of An Assault Survivor
The emotional rollercoaster after an assault is a complex and often isolating experience. This zine explores the raw and often conflicting emotions of denial, anger, and grief that Toto navigates.
5) Queer Joy, Rage, and Grief
This zine explores the complexities of grief, rage, and joy specific to a queer survivor. It tackles the sadness of violated safety, the righteous anger towards injustice, and the celebration of reclaiming their identity in a supportive community.
Badges
Momo Badge:
The Handwoven Emotional Support Badge is our token of support, symbolizing we are here for you and a symbol of allyship that you are here for us. Momo is an ally of our toto,
Hope Badge:
A cute purple crayon - that embodies our commitment to supporting queer survivors of gender-based violence. The color purple signifies resilience and justice, two qualities we hold dear. The crayon, a simple tool for creativity and self-expression, reflects the strength and agency of the survivors we serve.
Postcards :
Support cards, art & revolution cards, hope in a purple crayon card, ‘Azad rooh’ and ‘joy is resistance’ - all an amalgamation of a fight for justice and solidarity.
Stickers :
Stickers that speak for our values, and our allyship - intersectional feminist, collective care, and activism. Satrangi salam to you all!
Watch our entire collection on our pop-ups!
Some day I want to be brave enough to say we have all been here. I am NOT saying it today, I will, some other day. For now, I just want to laud this attempt to talk about the trauma of sexual assault survivors with as much sensitivity and simplicity as possible.