Canvas of Recovery: How Art Therapy Is Empowering Women After Surviving Domestic Violence

In the 2024, “Winning Every Wednesday” series, “Shalisa’s Sisters” is celebrating the lives of all Women over 50! My mission is to provide female survivors of Domestic Violence with uplifting, empowering, transformative resources, and guidance to enrich their lives. I see you, Sister!... You’re Beautiful, You’re Important and the Wisdom you have is Valued! Thank you.

??????????? October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The United States Department of Justice?defines domestic violence?as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.” It can assume multiple forms, including?physical,?verbal,?emotional,?economic,?religious,?reproductive, financial abuse, or?sexual abuse, or combinations of these. The control may also include marital rape?or other forms of physical abuse, such as choking, beating,?female genital mutilation,?acid throwing?that may result in?disfigurement?death and other forms of death usually with the use of a firearm, but not exclusively limited to a gun. The abuser may also use digital technology to harass, control, monitor, stalk or hack their partner’s electronic devices/vehicle(s)/person.

Here are some startling facts about Domestic Violence:

• “Every minute, 32 people experience Intimate Partner Violence in the United States.”
• “Over 47% of women have encountered contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.”
• “1 in 5 victims in homicide cases lost their lives to their intimate partner.”
• “93.1% of pregnant women undergo Intimate Partner Violence.”
• "World Health Organization indicates that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual Intimate Partner Violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.”
• “Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings.”
• ?“Violence against women is preventable!?“

Domestic Violence profoundly changed my life. I never anticipated that after this experience I would become a public speaker, advocate, author, and social media content creator dedicated to raising awareness about this global issue. I know I am not alone in my journey of recovery from Intimate Partner Violence; healing manifests itself differently for each of us. While some find solace in therapy, others turn to support groups, yoga, equestrian therapy or other forms of healing. For many, art therapy provides a unique avenue for recovery, encouraging expression and emotional release. Through art therapy it can provide a creative outlet by offering survivors a safe way to process their feelings, finding solace and paving their own paths to recovery.

The Healing Power of Art Therapy

Art therapy combines psychology and creative expression, allowing individuals to communicate complex emotions through various art forms. Art therapy can be particularly effective for survivors of Domestic Violence, who may struggle to express their experiences verbally. Through painting, drawing, and other creative outlets, survivors can process trauma, find empowerment, and build connections with others that experienced similar circumstances.

The Benefits of Art Therapy for Domestic Violence Survivors

1. Emotional Expression: Art therapy provides an outlet for survivors to express feelings of fear, anger, and sadness in a non-verbal way while creating beautiful and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
2. Empowerment: The act of creating art can help survivors regain a sense of control and empowerment in their lives.
3. Community Support: Group art therapy sessions foster connections among participants, reducing feelings of isolation and creating a support network.
4. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in artistic activities can promote mindfulness, helping to alleviate anxiety and stress.

Exploring Art Therapy Programs in the United States

1. The Art Therapy Project (New York, NY) This nonprofit offers free art therapy sessions to survivors of trauma, including Domestic Violence, helping them explore their experiences through creativity. Website: thearttherapyproject.org
2. Art with Heart (Seattle, WA) Focused on children and families, this organization provides therapeutic art programs that promote emotional healing and resilience. Website: artwithheart.org
3. The Creative Healing Project (San Francisco, CA) This initiative offers art therapy specifically designed for survivors of Domestic Violence, helping to express their emotions and foster healing. Website: creativehealingproject.org

Art Therapy Programs Worldwide

1. Art Therapy International (Global) A network of art therapists that offers resources and workshops focused on healing through creative expression in various cultural contexts. Website: arttherapyinternational.org
2. Art Therapy Australia (Australia) This organization promotes art therapy as an effective treatment option for trauma and abuse, providing training and resources for practitioners. Website: arttherapy.org.au
3. The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) (South Africa) Offers art therapy programs tailored for victims of Domestic Violence, integrating local cultural practices into therapeutic processes. Website: sasop.co.za

Survivor Testimonials

Many survivors of Domestic Violence have discovered that art therapy is an essential part of their healing process. Here are a few real testimonies:

• Maria, 34: "After leaving an abusive relationship, I felt lost and overwhelmed. I tried traditional therapy but struggled to talk about my feelings. When I discovered art therapy, it was like a weight lifted. I painted my pain, and through that, I found a way to heal. Creating art helped me express emotions I didn't even know I had. It felt empowering to take control of my story."
• Samantha, 42: "Art therapy was my refuge. I attended a program specifically for survivors of Domestic Violence, and it allowed me to process my trauma safely. I started by drawing my fears, and over time, I created pieces that represented hope and resilience. It was liberating to create something beautiful from my pain."

Though Domestic Violence is painful and traumatic, there are many ways that survivors can heal, and art therapy may be an outlet for recovery, empowerment and a creative expression for survivors to rebuild their life. Art therapy allows survivors to make community connections and break the cycle of isolation. As evidenced by the testimonials of survivors, art therapy offers an avenue of self-expression, healing and aides in recovery from Domestic Violence. If you or someone you know is a survivor of Domestic Violence, exploring art therapy could be a meaningful step toward healing.

REFERENCES:

Google Search Engine- Article. “Domestic Violence facts 2024 statistics USA/2024 Domestic Violence Facts”. Wisniewska, Milena J. December 7, 2023. https://www.breakthecycle.org/domestic-violence-statistics/#:~:text=Domestic%20Violence%20Statistics%202024%201%20Every%20minute%2032,stalking%20by%20an%20intimate%20partner%20during%20their%20lifetime

Google Search Engine- “Definition of Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence” https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse

Google Search Engine- “Domestic Violence facts 2024 statistics -Worldwide/2024 Domestic Violence Facts”. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

ChatGPT AI-. (Art Therapy Programs (USA/Worldwide), Real Domestic Violence survivor testimonials-Art Therapy). https://chatgpt.com/

?RESOURCES:

National Domestic Violence Hotline-?If you or someone you know is in an abusive romantic relationship and needs resources. This organization offers confidential support and can help victims develop safety plans, including digital safety. ?Please call?1-800-799-7233.?TTY?1-800-787-3224.?Text- “START” to 88788. Open?24/7, 365?by call/text/chat (You can speak to representatives in English & Espanol).?https://www.thehotline.org/

Shalisa L. Wall, Author/Digital Product Creator- On the Pensight website, I provide top rated digital products to aide Domestic Violence survivors on their healing journey. All the products will help you feel empowered, provide resources, knowledge and offer you clear guidance on how to rebuild your life with confidence. Feel free to purchase my digital products that include reflection journals, Women’s daily prayer devotionals, and online courses. You can also schedule a complimentary 15-minute 1:1 Q&As and coaching session with me at your convenience. You can check out my Pensight page at https://lnkd.in/gTgj9kCw.

?SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY:

?Psalm 147:3 NIV:?“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

DISCLAIMER: I am a survivor of Domestic Violence, and my goal is to provide free helpful resources to other female survivors to support you in your healing journey.?The statements, thoughts and comments are my own. The resources provided are from legitimate entities that I have no affiliation with nor receive compensation from these businesses. Please comply with all your local, Federal and state laws as it relates to your individual Domestic Violence situation.? If you know someone that’s in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement emergency number. *I have no association, affiliation nor receive compensation from any of the aforementioned companies/products.

*Remember, when utilizing the Internet, please only use official websites with a lock symbol next to the URL (“A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the address used to access resources on the internet. It specifies the location of a resource and how to retrieve it”, these are only a few examples. Ex: https://example.com/path/to/resource OR https://example.com OR https://www.ssa.gov/

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