walking alongside trauma

a material-based exhibition exploring the societal impact of vicarious traumatization of sexualized violence

douglas college

january 16 - february 28, 2025

mcgill university

march 19 - 21, 2025

ceramics by Debra Sloan | photos by Ted Clark

Introduction

The Walking Alongside Trauma (WAT) initiative, led by the Craft Council of BC (CCBC), is a material- based arts exploration of the vicarious traumatization of sexualized violence. The purpose of our study is to examine the various impacts of the vicarious traumatization of sexualized violence (VTSV) on society, particularly for those who interact directly with survivors’ trauma (e.g., crisis support workers, family members, health care workers, educators, peers, etc.), who we refer to as “Witnesses”. Twelve material-based artists will work with these individuals to translate their experience into objects that will be the basis for a touring exhibition. Alongside the exhibition we are planning to engage the wider community through programming that will further explore the impact of VTSV.

The project is led by CCBC in collaboration with McGill University and Douglas College.

Supporting Healing Through Awareness and Action

We invite you to be a part of an important conversation about trauma and healing. We aim to highlight the experiences of those who interact with survivors’ trauma, including counselors, healthcare providers, and family members. Through the Walking Alongside Trauma initiative, we are examining the profound impacts of vicarious traumatization of sexualized violence (VTSV) on individuals and society as a whole.

The funds raised will help document our findings, compensate exhibition artists, provide on-call therapeutic support during the exhibition, and promote awareness about VTSV while offering meaningful honorariums to project participants. Your support will play a vital role in fostering a more empathetic and informed community response to sexualized violence trauma.

To support the project, you can contribute in two ways: by attending our fundraisers and community engagement events or by making a direct donation to the project fund.