Calendar of healing

By Melissa Meehan
VICTIMS of sexual assault share feelings of anger, isolation, hostility, anxiety, embarrassment and shame. Survivors may also experience a lack of confidence and depression.
Carolyn Worth, Director South East Centre Against Sexual Assault, says one of the most effective ways of dealing with these emotions is through creating art.
“Sometimes it is too difficult or painful to bring the past to life with words. At times like this other means of expression can help,” Ms Worth said.
Yesterday (Wednesday) SECASA, part of Southern Health, launched a calendar with images of artwork created by survivors of sexual assault.
“For the brave women who have been involved in the creation of this calendar, their way of dealing with the hurt and distress of the past has produced something that can bring pleasure to us all,” Ms Worth said.
Dandenong South resident Sarah (not her real name), said creating artworks was a healing experience. Her clay sculpture features on the cover of the calendar.
“I have always been creative,” Sarah said.
“But I was able to connect with art again which was very healing for me.”
She said physically creating something allowed her to take her mind off other things.
“I found the whole experience very powerful and would recommend it to anyone who has had a similar experience to me,” Sarah said.
“It was also helpful to be surrounded with other people who knew what I was dealing with.”
The launch of the calendar coincides with White Ribbon Day http://www.whiteribbonday.org.au, and the international day for the elimination of violence against women, which is on 25 November 2008.