This Painting Narrates the personal story of Danielle. Danielle is a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse.

 Social expectations of being a “good woman and mom” kept her in an abusive relationship for a very long time. The abuse was so severe, it left her deaf in her left ear and almost dead. This is symbolically rendered in the painting with the three circles,they are sound resonating from within her. Danielle’s left hand cups by her deaf ear, indicating her desire for the unheard to be heard. With her own situation she felt as though she couldn’t communicate her abuse to others. She now knows that silence just continues the cycle of suffering. 

Danielle was also a victim of sexual abuse, abuse that was committed by people she trusted. The design connecting the three circles in the center, is the sloidarity symbol for sexual abuse victims. During the formal report of the abuse, Danielle felt that interrogators and some community members were more committed to asking her what she did to deserve her abuse, rather than expressing concern for her well being. This treatment made her feel regretful and unsupported in reporting her assault. She hopes that in sharing her experience she can be a source of inspiration for others that have been in the same position. She hopes women continue to speak up regardless of the unfair opposition they may face. 

The dot in the middle of her hand represents the “Black Dot Project”, the adopted symbol to discreetly announce to others that one is in an abusive relationship. In the painting there is a red diamond, her favorite color, in her palm instead. the Diamond is a proud announcement of being out of her abusive relationship. 

Both the African patterns found on Danielle’s hands, as well as those in the circles within the background, are symbols for female warrior strength and resilience. Something that she now embodies. Currently, Danielle has created a non-profit organization for abused women. This organization helps collect goods for women in need, primarily in shelters. Through her experiences were harrowing, Danielle feels like she would not be the person she is today and has successfully used her past as a catalyst to help herself and others.