USW event explores how the arts can help end sexual violence

The arts can have a valuable role in the struggle to eliminate all forms of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV), according to expert panellists at a University of South Wales event.

Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and the Arts, hosted by the VAWDASV Research Network Wales based at USW, saw a discussion from experts representing organisations who support survivors, as well as a leading academic in the field:

• Nancy Lidubwi from BAWSO, which provides advice, services and support to black minority ethnic communities and individuals in Wales who are affected by abuse;
• Mike Wilkinson from New Pathways, which delivers specialist therapeutic support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse;
• Prof Jelke Boesten, Professor in Gender and Development at King’s College London.

The event also included a performance from the play No Name by GJ Kalic, inspired by a news story of a young woman – a freedom fighter from Kurdistan.

Ian McNish, course leader for Theatre and Drama at USW, said: “The main character’s journey take the audience into the violent clashes between many contemporary nation states and people unwillingly subsumed within them. No Name was first performed at our Cardiff Campus in April 2022, and is powerfully resonant of the ongoing horrific conflict in Ukraine, not to mention Iran.”

Watch the trailer for No Name:

Prof Emily Underwood-Lee, co-lead of the VAWDASV Research Network Wales, said: “When we ask survivors to share their stories, we are obligated to treat the stories and survivors with respect. We are keen to understand the ethics of creating artistic representations of survivor experience and to think about how we can amplify voices and celebrate strength without burdening survivors or reinforcing narratives of victimhood.

“It is important to do this work with survivors and sector experts and we are delighted that Joanna Robinson, the Welsh Government National Advisor, Bawso, and New Pathways have been able to join us in this conversation alongside our academic and creative colleagues.”