I am a survivor of family violence. This photography series depicts moments of my life at 21 years old after I left my father's home. I found myself in a situation no woman, or daughter, could ever imagine herself in.

After I left, the violence did not stop, it escalated. I created this series to capture moments I and so many survivors experience, an effort to expand the conversation and our society's understanding of those who have and are still experiencing abuse. The common misperception is that that after we leave, the abuse stops and we can simply heal and move on. For most domestic and family violence survivors the abuse intensifies, and has the potential to be fatal.

 

The substrate for this photography series is wood panel. This organic material created a connection to my body, both worn down by someone else’s hand. The transfer process acts as a metaphor for these moments, which were engrained into my every day life. I titled each piece with common sayings we hear as children. Relating the disturbing situations with words that feel safe and innocent is a reflection of the maelstrom of emotions through this period of my life.

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As Pen Pal  illustrates, "I'm forever thankful that I left, yet heartbroken that I had to make that choice."

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You deserve of love, peace, and freedom. The strength to leave will be there for you, as it has been within you all along.

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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

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