Community
22 November, 2024
Art tells a story
A SPECIAL art exhibition has been launched in Warrnambool as a timely reminder for those living with violence that they are not alone.
The Creative Voices exhibition, now on display at Warrnambool Lighthouse, provides an opportunity to platform the lived experience of women through creative expression.
It is also a reminder to anyone currently living with violence that they are not alone and as a community, violence will not be tolerated.
The exhibition was this week launched by the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (locally known as Emma House) in partnership with Brophy Family and Youth Services, South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault, Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West.
The exhibition will be on display until Friday, December 13 and coincides with the annual United Nations ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ campaign that encourages action to end gender-based violence.
Around the world, communities come together to raise awareness that men’s violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights.
Carmel Thomas, interim chief executive officer with the SAFV Centre said violence against women was preventable.
“During this 16 Days of Activism we must join the call to listen to those impacted by sexual and family violence and learn ways in which we can all play our role in ending violence against women,” she said.
“Storytelling is a powerful way in which we learn, and connect with community, helping us gain a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences.
“To address the drivers of violence against women, we must challenge harmful ideas about gender and power, and promote women’s independence and decision making in community and in relationships. Together we can create a future where all women live free from violence”.
Craig Fraser, chief executive officer at South West Healthcare, said the South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault team was proud partners in launching this thought-provoking exhibition,
The exhibition, he believes, showcases the powerful and healing journey of women in our region with lived experience of sexual and family violence.
“It is important for our community to understand that gender-based violence is a significant public health issue across not only the south west region, but the country, and we all have a part to play in preventing and eliminating violence against women,” Mr Fraser said.
“We encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and engage in conversations on what gender equality, safety and respect looks like in our home, workplaces and within our community.”
If you or someone you know needs support for family violence, the team at Emma House can be contacted on 5561 1934.
For support for sexual violence, contact the South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault on 5564 4144.
