A Brimbank resident has contributed to a moving showcase depicting the resilience and fortitude of domestic violence survivors.
Photographs taken by Keilor Lodge’s Shannon Meilak form part of the ‘Black and White’ exhibition created by members from Underneath My Umbrella — an agency providing community support for women impacted by domestic, family and sexual abuse.
The exhibition features a collection of stories written by survivors of domestic and family violence.
Each narrators was coupled with an artist, who created a work on canvas to accompany their story.
In addition to these works, each of the narrators had their photographic portrait taken.
These pictures were captured by Ms Meilak, who said being involved in the exhibition was incredibly significant for her.
“The opportunity to participate in this exhibition was for me, more of a call to action,” she said.
“As a woman who has experienced sexual abuse, I wanted to uplift women who had been silenced, by helping them to tell their stories and to be seen.”
When people witness these tales of courage, Ms Meilak hopes they see the exhibition in a positive and empowering light.
“When women unite, we build inclusive and supportive communities,” she said.
“Whilst most acknowledge that more needs to be done to protect women, my hope is that visitors will recognise the strength required to share these stories, and inspire others to advocate for greater recovery support at the local level.“
Black and White will open at the Coonara Community House, in Upper Ferntree Gully on February 17.
