This poster which was designed for Italy’s rape crisis helpline, Telefono Donna, to bring attention to International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25), which it certainly has done. However, much of that attention is of the unwelcome kind.
The image has been criticized and condemned as sacrilegious by Milan’s conservative politicians, where the poster is planned to be posted at 500 locations throughout the northern industrial city.
"I’ll do everything in my power to stop this poster going up," said city councilor Maurizio Cadeo.
After condemning the poster as "blasphemous" critics felt it would offend the religious beliefs of many Italians.
"We’re calling for the poster to be withdrawn because an important day like this should not be debased by such a sexual provocation," said councilor Carlo Fidanza, a member of the right-wing National Alliance."
Telefono Donna rape helpline President, Stefania Bartochetti, was surprised as there had been no objections raised in other Italian cities.
"As a Catholic I can’t see anything offensive or blasphemous. We chose a strong image to encourage more rape victims to break their silence," she said.
‘Who Pays For Man’s Sins?’ asks the text on the poster together with a caption which reads 'Only four per cent of women who suffer sexual violence report their assailants.'
One good thing, controversy stirs attention, and more attention brings about conversation.
Controversial Anti Rape Posters
Telefono Donna Ad Causes Uproar
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Anti-rape Posters - Opportunity to create provocative advertising campaigns that spark conversations around important social issues and provoke change.
2. Religious Offense Controversies - Opportunity for companies to navigate the delicate balance between creative expression and avoiding religious offense in advertising campaigns.
3. Encouraging Victim Empowerment - Opportunity to use strong visual imagery and messaging to empower victims of sexual violence and encourage them to speak out.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - Opportunity for ad agencies to push the boundaries of creativity and provoke debate through controversial campaigns.
2. Social Activism - Opportunity for organizations focused on women's rights and eliminating violence against women to leverage controversial advertising as a means of raising awareness and driving social change.
3. Religious Organizations - Opportunity for religious organizations to engage in dialogue and promote understanding around the intersection of art, social issues, and religious sensitivities.