Mavis Biggins and Kristal Smith at the unveiling of their mosaic paths last Friday in Berwick.By Rebecca Fraser
THE women who visit the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) aren’t just travelling down the path to recovery they are helping build it.
Last Friday the group unveiled a mosaic path that will become a permanent display at the Rossmoyne Family Resource Centre in Berwick.
Between April and June this year, the group of brave women, all of whom have experienced childhood sexual abuse, met weekly to share their stories and create the mosaic path.
The group is open to any woman who has been associated with SECASA and the project provided participants with an opportunity to explore their creativity through collaborating in the design of the artwork.
Along with artist Anne Riggs, group members were able to develop skills in the creation of mosaics, from the design of the piece through to its installation.
SECASA counsellors Robyn Breheny and Colleen Cahill coordinated the program, and Ms Breheny said the end result had been breathtaking.
“The project has exposed a number of women from different backgrounds to the therapeutic benefits of creativity.
“I can see that the selfesteem of those taking part has improved and everyone has held a lot of pride in their accomplishment.
“This has also created new opportunities for people to diversify and some have gone off and done other creative things,” she said.
Ms Breheny said the two mosaics could now be enjoyed by everyone and highlighted that people could move on from their past experiences and contribute to the community.
Berwick resident Kristal Smith, 20, took part in the mosaic project and said that SECASA had provided a safe, warm and happy environment to all group members.
“I have built a good relationship with my counsellor and this has really helped me deal with my past.
“Before this I was not getting help and this has opened up some old wounds and has helped me deal with them,” she said.
SECASA is a 24hour crisis service for victims and survivors of sexual assault.
It provides counselling, information and support for victims of sexual assault, partners, parents and carers and friends.
The service is available for adults and children, women or men.
