‘The Travelling Exhibition,’ showcasing nine drawings done by children who have been sexually abused, was launched yesterday at the Brickdam Police Station.
The European Union (EU), UNICEF and local non-governmental organisation Blossom Inc were responsible for the exhibition, which will be open to the public from April 11 to June 10 at the Brickdam, Cove and John, Whim, Anna Regina, and Mackenzie police stations and the Juvenile Centre at Sophia.
According to a press release issued by the EU, the exhibition intends to “show through the eyes of the aggrieved child the injury, injustice and lifelong scars that remain after sexual abuse” and aims to reduce the instances of child sexual abuse cases in Guyana.
The artists of the illustrations are children who have been victims of sexual abuse and were subject to creative and art therapy.
Marianne Flach, UNICEF representative, stated that art is a powerful means of self-expression for children, especially those who are abused and sometimes do not have the words to express what they are thinking and feeling or may be too young to articulate the experience. Art, she noted, allows them to not only express themselves, but to begin the process of healing and overcoming the trauma of their experience.
The exhibit was launched in the presence of First Lady Sandra Granger, government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, police officers and other officials.
