NCJ Number
203182
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 90,92,94
Date Published
October 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes an art exhibit entitled, “The Illuminations Exhibit,” which is meant to help provide a better understanding of sexual assault victims.
Abstract
Father Ray Chase, a Maryland-based priest, presents “The Illuminations Exhibit,” which was created by two survivors of sexual abuse, Matt and Justin. Father Ray met Matt and Justin at St. Vincent’s, a residential center for severely abused and neglected children. The art exhibit sprang from an idea Father Ray had involving Justin’s artistic talents and his inability to speak about the abuse he suffered. Justin agreed to create three paintings to symbolize how sexual victimization is experienced by those who suffer sexual abuse. The article describes the three paintings, “Solitude,” “Duplicity,” and “Reprise,” and discusses how the exhibit helps others connect with victims. Father Ray shares the exhibit, which is accompanied by a poem written by Justin and photographs by Matt, with law enforcement groups. As the paintings are described by Father Ray in turn, the audience is encouraged to discuss aspects of victimization that emerge from the paintings. Most audience members agree that “The Illuminations Exhibit” fosters empathy for all sexual assault victims and provides the oft-forgotten male view of sexual victimization.