Describe your workshop/presentation (300-500 words):
1. Body Map program took place between 2016 and 2018 for teenage/female survivors of sexual assault and violence in shelters, community counselling centers. It is a form of expressional art therapy, to give women the opportunity to see their bodies and experiences in a positive light. We have been fundraising online (https://www.zeczec.com/projects/shen-ti-di-tu), holding exhibitions, talks, and workshops in independent bookstores and cafes. We have been communicating with the public through physical actions; inviting the general public to pay more attention to sexual violence and trauma in their daily surroundings.
2. How do the participants feel when their creations are about to be seen? Most often, they’re worry if they want to be seen; if they’re ready; what are the consequences if they are exposed? Through discussions, we have seen the change in our participants. From the initial ambiguity to knowing themselves better, and even more willing to try.
3. Through our collaboration with GOH in 2018, we have found that survivors have more courage and are more willing to let their body map creations to be seen after spending sufficient time with social workers who gave them support, companionship. Their initial doubts reflect the general public’s indifference to sexual violence.