We invite survivors of repeated childhood trauma to collaborate on a recognition site. Interested? Mail us at welcome@sos-kinderdorpen.be.
Two years ago, we called in an open letter to create a recognition place for survivors of childhood traumatic experiences. We engaged artist Laura Nsengiyumva to draw out the concept and set up cooperation with the City of Brussels.
Today we are launching a call to survivors to collaborate on the recognition place.
Meredith, survivor of repeated childhood trauma"I want to let others know they are not alone. Acknowledgement is a first step to recovery."
One of the project's participants is Meredith. "I want to let others know they are not alone. Recognition is a first step to recovery. If we share our stories and bring them into the public space, we can continue to fuel social debate," Meredith said.
And that wider awareness is needed. "When I first told school about my home situation at the age of 12, I got the lid off. 'It can't be that bad, can it?' That did a lot of damage. My earlier dissociation mechanisms worsened."
The artwork aims to give recognition to the stories of survivors and victims of childhood trauma, like Meredith. Many survivors carry the effects with them throughout their lives. "The impact of repeated trauma can carry deep into adult life, on relational, professional, physical and mental health.... That comes at a heavy price."
"Recognition, to me, is essentially about someone saying, 'it's true what you're saying', 'it was bad', 'it's not your fault' and 'what you're experiencing now is a trauma track.' Your reactions are normal to an abnormal situation.'"
Laura Nsengiyumva, artist"We call the artwork the 'City Jewel'. Together with trauma survivors, we want to turn their experiences into beads, working towards one big city jewel, consisting of hundreds of individual stories."
We call the artwork the 'City Jewel'. Together with trauma survivors, we want to turn their experiences into beads, working towards one big city jewel, consisting of hundreds of individual stories.Together with artist Laura Nsengiyumva, trauma experts and survivors are building the recognition site. "We call the artwork the 'City Jewel'. In the coming months, we are going to do a lot of listening especially. Together with trauma survivors, we want to turn their experiences into beads, working towards one big city jewel, consisting of hundreds of individual stories," Laura said.
Are you a victim or survivor yourself? Would you like to participate in this recognition spot? Then send us an email at welcome@sos-kinderdorpen.be.
Watch Meredith's testimony on News Late here.
Read Meredith's full testimony here.
