Illawarra victim-survivors share stories of healing through powerful new art exhibition

Illawarra women are breaking their silence around domestic, family, and sexual violence through a poignant new exhibition, Recovery and Healing: Our Voices, Our Stories.

Telling their previously untold stories while exploring the theme of recovery and healing from gendered violence, the women have used the mediums of therapeutic photography, creative writing, and sketch art as part of the Women’s Recovery and Healing Arts Project.

The transformative initiative was delivered by the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre through its major project the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.

Running until 2 February, the exhibition shares their stories of strength, courage and hope, told with the help of award-winning photographer Sylvia Liber, award-winning author Helena Fox and art therapist Sally Conwell.

Illawarra Women’s Health Centre’s project manager Emma Rodrigues said the artworks were developed during a 12-week structured therapeutic project delivered between July and December last year.

“The project framework is an extension of the 2020 photographic exhibition featuring portraits of domestic and family violence survivors captured by Sylvia in partnership with the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre,” Emma said.

“This project iteration serves to expand on the principles of photography activism previously applied, and include photography, creative writing and visual art in a therapeutic context using trauma informed practice.”

She said participants attended the introductory workshop six months ago with “open hearts and minds” to explore themes of recovery and healing that were significant to them in a safe and supported environment.

“The village of support participants have created as victim-survivors reclaiming their power and personal narrative through the interconnected processes of photography, creative writing and sketch art has been incredible to bear witness to,” she said.

Leading into the exhibition, participants reflected on their journey throughout the project, with participant Gia saying she had to accept the lifelong burden of healing placed upon her.

“… and even though it wasn’t my fault, it is my responsibility to heal,” she said.

“It took me a long time to accept that, because it’s not fair; healing is a full-time job.”

Another participant, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was grateful the exhibition would be a way for their friends and family to honour their journey, and for some to better understand what they’ve lived through and were living through still.

“We have all come such a long way, though we acknowledge the journey of recovery and healing is ongoing,” she said.

“This is why this project is so important and must be made available to other women in the future.

“Every woman should have the opportunity to feel heard.”

In thanking “village leader” Emma for her support and patience throughout the project, participant RayLu said Emma’s guidance had helped her feel stronger, braver, and fully embraced in her authenticity.

“I can now stand true to myself and move forward with confidence,” she said.

“Recovery from gendered violence is a long and costly journey, and it’s vital for those in power to fully grasp the urgent need to invest in projects like this that walk alongside victim-survivors and support our healing with creative and meaningful ways to continue on our path to recovery.”

Lorraine, an adult survivor of child sexual assault, said the project was a call to action, encouraging people from all walks of life to become educated by the facts, straight from the survivors.

“It is the responsibility of each one of us to give the safe space they need to speak about their experiences so they can move toward healing and recovering from their trauma,” Lorraine said.

“It’s in our hands to listen to, educate and protect our future generations.

“Let your children know that you are a safe person for them to express themselves openly …”

Recovery and Healing: Our Voices, Our Stories is a free exhibition at Project Contemporary Artspace, Wollongong and will run until 2 February. The gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 4 pm.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, contact 1800RESPECT (call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732) or police on triple zero.