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Illuminating Recovery: The light of social support

tree covered with lights

What’s on offer?

This interactive art installation invites people to explore academic research through creative expression. At the heart of the installation is a tree, symbolizing growth and resilience, with glowing "veins" running through its roots and up the trunk. These veins represent the different kinds of support that surround victim-survivors, like family, friends, therapists, and community groups. Visitors can press buttons to change the brightness of the light, highlighting how important it is for all of us to play a role in helping others heal.

 

 

What’s it about?

The art installation is based on research that looked at the social factors helping adult survivors of child sexual abuse recover. Through interviews with survivors, three key themes came up: 'Realisation,' 'Barriers and Misconceptions,' and 'Recognition, Recovery, and Empowerment.' These findings highlight how social influences shape the recovery process, challenging traditional psychological views.

The research offers a fresh perspective on how social dynamics play a role in survivors' recovery, rather than just focusing on psychological aspects. It opens up opportunities to identify and break down the barriers that hinder recovery while introducing more supportive factors that can help.

By using art to share these findings, the goal is to reach a wider audience and communicate the research in a more accessible way. The installation turns complex themes into a visually engaging story, helping to build empathy and understanding among attendees. It also emphasizes the shared responsibility we all have in supporting survivors.

Attendees can expect to see beautiful lights around the tree and are encouraged to interact and learn about the deeper message behind it.

 

 

 

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Eleanor Craig. Lecturer

Open to

Everyone is welcome to attend the art installation. The piece has been designed for everyone to gain something from visiting, from photos of the illuminated tree to a deeper understanding of social support

Of particular interest to

The art installation will be of significant interest to those who are interested in the process and experience of recovery from trauma. 

Event Booking details

No need to book for this event, just turn up on the night

Scheduling information

The event will run from 7 pm - 10 pm on 24th and 25th October 2024