Empowerment in each frame: Oklahoma sexual assault survivor uses photoshoot to help others heal

A survivor of sexual assault, Shelby McCaffery, is helping others with similar stories heal through a photoshoot.

McCaffery is using her story to inspire others to speak up, and to let them know they’re not alone.

“Even if it was just a group of people standing in a greenhouse taking photos, their voice was heard,” McCaffery said. “That simple act meant everything.”

During the shoot, some participants held up signs. Others, like Emma Tolbert, chose to write the age they were when they were assaulted.

Tolbert, now a junior in college, was assaulted when she was 18.

“To realize I am more than what happened to me, we all are,” Tolbert said. “To stand in front of a camera and be vulnerable like that, it’s another form of healing. It shows how far we’ve come.”

The photoshoot at Serenity Acres was filled with emotion, strength, and hope.

"It was definitely a whirlwind of emotions,” McCaffery said. “There was crying, there was sadness but there was so much strength and power from every person that was in that photoshoot.”

McCaffery’s social media has drawn people from all over the country. Survivors have reached out, many sharing their stories for the very first time.

“I never thought my voice and my story was going to do anything for other people,” McCaffery said. “But I kept going and I kept trying. I woke up every day with a smile on my face to help others. And now, it just takes the words out of my mouth, like wow, I’m helping these people.”

She encourages other survivors to reach out to her. You can find her on social media platforms, @shelbymccaffery.

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