In a new exhibition coming to QVWC, bodies become the maps for tracking children's journeys out of crisis.

The Secure Welfare Body Map exhibition features artworks which trace the private, cultural and gendered dimensions of violence against women and children through full-body silhouettes of the artists. All artworks on display have been created by children, aged 10 to 17, as part of the Secure Welfare Unit's art therapy program.

Art therapist Rebekah Oppenheim said, 'Body Mapping is a very effective therapeutic intervention. It allows the artist to explore their journey from violence or crisis into a more positive future. We ask the children to begin by tracing their full-body silhouette onto large sheets of paper. Then, each child is asked specific questions about their experiences and represents those artisticially within the Body Map'.

Thirty-eight percent of women who have experienced domestic violence report that their children have witnessed that violence at some stage (ABS, 1996). Young Women's and Young Men's Secure Welfare program, run by the Department of Human Services, provides crisis care and accommodation for children who are victim/survivors of domestic violence and find themselves in severe crisis situations.

'We try to make the Body Mapping experience one both of therapy and of growth. Usually, when the child is nearing the 'head' portion of their Body Mapping 'journey', we ask them questions about the future they would like to have for themselves, leading to more postive imagery around the heads on the Body Maps', Oppenheim said.

In 2006, Young Women’s Secure Welfare Unit had their first exhibition as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This year the exhibition is expanding to include Young Men’s Secure Welfare and the Hurstbridge Therapeutic Farm. All of the Secure Welfare units aim to help children who are in need of protection in a secure setting to prevent them from placing themselves at immediate and substantial risk.

Join us for the Secure Welfare Body Map exhibition launch

As part of the exhibition a gala launch of the artworks will be held on Friday, 30 November, 6.00 to 8.00 pm at QVWC. The launch is an opportunity to view these very intimate artworks, More importantly, the launch provides the young artists with a chance to experience a positive evening all about them. So come along and be a part of this very special and uplifting event.

Support Secure Welfare through the Body Map Exhibition

Framed artworks from the 2006 exhibition will be available to purchase. Seventy percent of the funds gained from each artwork will go directly back to the child and the remaining 30% will be donated to the Art Therapy Program at Secure Welfare.

2008 calendars, featuring the Body Maps, will be on sale at the exhibition or by contacting QVWC.

Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to 'sponsor' a Body Map artist of their choice. Individuals and organisations are invited to donate material objects or financial assistance to the child’s refuge or residential unit.

The Secure Welfare Body Map exhibition is made possible with the support of:

• The Department of Human Services

• Young Men’s and Women’s Secure Welfare Service

• Hurstbridge Therapeutic Farm

• Queen Victoria Women’s Centre

• WIRE – Women Referral.