USOR or "United States of Rape" is a research-based series of hand-embroidered flags representing each state and its laws on rape and sexual assault. The laws are taken out of context, mixed up, and displayed over a pixelated version of the state flag. The words and phrases extracted from these laws, using RAINN as a resource, are significant to Curtis because they are either shocking, confusing, or notably different from other state laws. Currently, each state in the United States has varying laws regarding rape, sexual assault, and sexual violence. Some laws are comprehensive, while others consist of just three sentences. Some states define rape as only possible between a man and a woman, while others break their laws into multiple degrees and even define sexual consent. As a survivor of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, Curtis was shocked to discover that laws regarding sexual assault and rape can vary greatly from state to state. When victims of sexual violence seek justice through the legal system, they may be unaware of how their state defines these crimes.
For a viewer, this may be their first time reviewing this type of legislation, prompting them to consider the laws in their state along with the regulations surrounding our bodies and the assaults that are perpetrated upon them. For some, this may be an opportunity to start a conversation about a topic that can be uncomfortable to discuss, as society often keeps these discussions hidden behind a veil of secrecy and shame.
This project is ongoing, and Curtis plans to continue working on it until all 50 states and the District of Columbia are completed. For Curtis, this series has been not only a healing process but also a form of advocacy for victims of sexual violence such as herself.
Maryland: The Free State; The Old Line State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2020. 19.5” H x 15.5 W.
In Maryland, there are legal definitions of Rape in the 1st-2nd Degree, Sexual Offense in the 3rd-4th Degree, Sexual Conduct Between Correctional or Juvenile Justice Employee or Court-Provided Services Provider and Incarcerated Individual or Confined Child, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Continuing Course of Conduct Against Child, and Sodomy. Maryland does define Consent.
Alabama: The Cotton State; The Yellowhammer State; The Heart of Dixie. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2020. 15'“ H x 21.5” W.
In Alabama, there are legal definitions of Rape in the 1st-2nd Degree, Sexual Torture, Sodomy in the 1st-2nd Degree, Sexual Abuse in the 1st-2nd Degree, Sexual Misconduct, Statutory Rape, and Sexual Abuse of a Child. Consent is not defined, but Alabama has interpreted Consent to mean “acquiescence or compliance [with the proposition of another].”
Alaska: The Last Frontier. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2020. 23” H x 32” W.
In Alaska, there are legal definitions of Sexual Assault in the 1st-4th Degree, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Consent is not defined, but Alaska does define "Without Consent".
Arizona: The Grand Canyon State; The Copper State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2022. 20.5” H X 30.5” W.
In Arizona, there are legal definitions of Rape, Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse, Unlawful Sexual Conduct; Adult Probation Department Employees; Juvenile Court Employees, Unlawful sexual conduct; peace officers, Unlawful sexual conduct; correctional facilities, Molestation of a Child, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Consent is not defined, but Arizona does define "Without Consent".
Arkansas: The Land of Opportunity; The Natural State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2021. 15” H x 23.5” W.
In Arkansas, there are legal definitions of Rape, Sexual Assault in the 1st-4th Degree, Statutory Rape, Sexual Extortion, Sexual Indecency with a Child, and Sodomy. Consent is defined through the lack thereof.
California: The Golden State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2023. 18.5” H x 30.5” W.
In California, there are legal definitions for Rape, Sodomy, Forcible Acts of Sexual Penetration, Oral Copulation, Sexual Battery, Unlawful Sexual Acts Procured By Fraud or False Pretenses, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Sexual Acts with a Child 10 Years of age or Younger, and Unlawful Sexual Intercourse With a Person Under 18. California does define Consent.
Colorado: The Centennial State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2023. 14.5” H x 20.75” W.
In Colorado, there are legal definitions for Sexual Assault, Unlawful Sexual Contact, Sexual Assault on a Child, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Colorado does define Consent.
Connecticut: The Constitution State; The Nutmeg State; The Provisions State; The Land of Steady Habits. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2024. 15.5” H x 22” W.
In Connecticut, there are legal definitions of Sexual Assault in the 1st-4th Degree, Aggravated Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Consent is defined through the lack thereof.
Delaware: The Blue Hen State; The Diamond State; The First State; The Small Wonder State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2023. 12” H x 17.5” W.
In Delaware, there are legal definitions of Sexual Assault in the 1st-4th Degree, Unlawful Sexual Contact in the 1st-3rd Degree, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Consent is not defined, but Delaware defines "Without Consent".
Florida: The Sunshine State; The Alligator State; The Peninsula State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2024. 15.5” H x 23” W.
In Florida, there are legal definitions of Sexual Battery, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Florida does define Consent.
Hawaii: The Aloha State; The Islands of Aloha; The 808 State; Paradise of the Pacific. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2025. 12” H x 24.5” W.
In Hawaii, there are legal definitions of Sexual Assault in the 1st-4th Degree, Sexual Assault of a Minor, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy. Consent is not defined.
Idaho: The Gem State; The Potato State. Hand embroidery, felt, poetry. 2025. 16.5” H x 23.5” W.
In Idaho, there are legal definitions for Rape, Rape of Spouse, Sexual Contact with a Prisoner, Statutory Rape, Sexual Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Sexual Battery of a Minor Child, and Sodomy. Consent is not defined.