OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine opens art exhibition by domestic violence victims

KYIV, 4 September 2012 – Paintings  by victims of domestic violence are on show at an exhibition that was opened in Kyiv today by Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU).

The artworks were produced during three-month art-therapy sessions for female victims of domestic violence that were conducted by the Ukrainian NGO Harmonized Society Foundation with PCU support.

“Through these art-therapy sessions we are supporting efforts by Ukrainian civil society and the state to enhance the protection of women’s rights,” said Jarbussynova.

“I hope this exhibition will once again draw attention to these issues and, I am sure, will contribute to combating violence and forming non-aggressive attitudes in Ukraine,” she added.

“The recovery techniques used in the art therapy session were designed to help the participants restore their self-confidence and emotional state,” said Natalia Gryschenko, the Head of Harmonized Society Foundation.  “Following the completion of our work, these techniques will be shared with Ukrainian social service providers working with domestic violence victims.”

The exhibition marks the end of a PCU project to assist victims of domestic violence in Ukraine, which was funded from OSCE Charity Ball donations.