Achi news desk-
A unique photo exhibition puts cameras in the hands of survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Journey Project’s Photovoice exhibition is traveling across the province this month, featuring 14 photographs showcasing transformations – this year’s project theme.
All of the photographers are survivors of sexual or domestic violence. The project, now in its third year, is designed to give survivors a creative opportunity to express themselves, and have full creative control of their artwork.
The project was designed to give survivors a creative opportunity to express themselves, and have full creative control over their artwork. (CTV News)
“If they want to add things, take them away, whatever they want, they get to do that and they control every bit of that piece of art,” said Ashley MacDonald, who organized the photo exhibition and contributed one work.
Control is critical to the project, MacDonald said, as so many survivors of sexual and domestic violence feel out of control when they are victimized.
It can happen again as they work through a complex criminal justice system, facing questions from police, judges and criminal defense lawyers.
“That can feel very void. It can feel very traumatic,” explained MacDonald.
Many of the photographers do not feel they can say much about their photos, as they continue to deal with the criminal justice system.
Most of the work was submitted anonymously, with some explanation. (CTV News)
Most of the work was submitted anonymously, with some explanation.
“I keep my eye on the reflection of the past. It’s like water, it reminds me of what was there,” wrote one photographer when describing their photo – a photo of a lake in Labrador with the sun low in the sky.
“I breathe in the air, shining my path. That’s where I am. Not where you are,” they wrote.
MacDonald himself submitted a double exposure photograph to the exhibit.
She said one photo was a self portrait taken more than a decade ago, before she was attacked, and another photo 10 years after that.
“It has been 12 years of process and progress for me,” he said. “And so that picture, I think, was just the next logical step.”
The photo exhibition will make stops in Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay before the viewing ends on April 26th.
MacDonald said in his three years, he has been well received by the community, and has become a supportive force for survivors.
“There is something very beautiful as a survivor to be in space and to watch the community come in and to see what you have created and to support you in that”
The photo exhibition will make stops in Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay before the viewing ends on April 26th. (CTV News)
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
A full list of sexual assault centers in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counseling can be found on the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centers website.
Helplines, legal services and locations offering sexual assault kits can be found in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia here.
National Boarding Schools Hotline: +1 866 925 4419
24 hour emergency line: 416 597 8808
Canada’s Human Trafficking Helpline: +1 833 900 1010
Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648
Read about your rights as a victim here. in
