The documentary, which gained a number of awards, together with a 2024 Peabody Award, explores how sexual violence impacts a survivor’s on a regular basis life, relationships and sense of self.
Regardless of selecting to make her personal expertise public, she is cautious to not counsel that each survivor ought to comply with the identical path.
“There are such a lot of methods to outlive – and survival is a very powerful factor,” she stated.
In some Asian societies, she added, the disgrace surrounding sexual violence will be compounded by issues about household popularity and the relationships survivors have with these round them.
“If you happen to really feel harmful by sharing, do not do it,” she stated. “I believe slightly than anticipating survivors to talk out, society ought to create extra secure environments the place victims can search assist and resolve for themselves whether or not, when and easy methods to share their experiences.”
She additionally inspired individuals to point out their help for survivors, notably on-line.
“Even leaving a supportive message may also help counter the hostility survivors encounter and reassure us that we’re not alone,” Ito stated.
Regardless of the passage of time and the popularity her work has acquired, talking about her expertise in interviews means revisiting painful reminiscences.
“I am nonetheless dwelling and going through my very own trauma,” she stated. “However I nonetheless imagine within the significance of telling troublesome tales, irrespective of how we do it.”
Singapore Writers Competition 2026 runs from Nov 13 to 22. Themed Hidden in Plain Sight, the 10-day pageant options panel discussions, talks, readings, workshops and shows. Extra data will be discovered on the official SWF web site.