Introduction

Home: Survivors: The Cafe: The healing couch

In April 2001 SECASA began to host what became a series of one-day creative arts workshops for women survivors of sexual assault. The project was initiated after a woman client suggested creating a mosaic monument in the SECASA grounds. She also suggested that the building department at a local TAFE may be able to provide materials for the project. Inspired by our client's suggestion we went on a funding search and were successful in a submission to the Westernport Family Violence Service, for International Women's Day 2001. We received $150 to facilitate a one day creative art therapy day in which we planned to tile an entire 3 seated cement couch.

The facilitators sought supervision from Cherry Blasket (Art Therapist) who assisted us with the design for the cement couch including the base, layout of the tile design and symbolism of colours and shapes used in the design. Tiles. The idea was to create a group collage symbolising the journeys women have travelled through their recovery from sexual assault.

The Homesglen Building Department kindly created and donated the cement couch, which was to be the foundation of support on which the project grew. Tiles were kindly donated by Any Tile in Oakliegh and by FM ceramic tiles Frankston. We would like to also thank SECASA staff friends and family for their donations to the project.

Women survivors were invited to participate in the decoration of the chair monument in the grounds of SECASA Bentleigh site. Once the first creating day began, the enormity of the project became apparent. What was to have been a one day workshop eventuated into a series of five full 1 day workshops over a period of 7 months. As our project evolved over the winter months we were also faced with the unpredictability of the weather. In order to continue the project we decided to hire a mini marquee for three of the five days.

In planning for future creative art projects we are now acutely aware of the need for realistic funding which allows for the unpredictable. Also, we would allow a more realistic time frame in which to complete projects. As facilitators we would also make allowances for the preparation of equipment for clients.

What has emerged throughout and beyond the creating of this monument is a journey towards pride. We have witnessed the women's pride in both the creating and in showing of their creation. Also we witnessed the great satisfaction of the Homesglen Building apprentices when they delivered the cement couch to SECASA. Another level of pride has blossomed within the team at SECASA.

The chair monument will remain on public display in the gardens at SECASA for all clients' staff and visitors to sit on, ponder and enjoy.

Sponsor

SECASA

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 8 Aug 2005