A decade of working with the victims of sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in Perth and Kinross is examined through a powerful new exhibition.
Marking the tenth anniversary of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) Perth and Kinross, the hard-hitting displays using the words of real people reveal the scale of the problem locally, according to Provost Dennis Melloy.
He urged people to view the Perth exhibition saying: “By turning up and lending your support you are saying no to rape and sexual abuse in Perth and Kinross.
“I had a private viewing of the exhibition and I have to admit I was moved by the tragic and heartrending messages from the victims of sexual abuse. This was real, this had happened here in Perth and Kinross.”
Running until Friday, RASAC’s exhibition, backed by Big Lottery funding, takes visitors on a journey of the organisation’s work over the last decade while highlighting key developments within the wider violence against women agenda.
The event runs alongside the Inside Outside exhibition which provides a rare insight into the hidden world of sex workers in Scotland.
Jen Stewart, RASAC P&K’s development manager, said of the exhibition: “Above all else it is a real celebration of the strength that we are so privileged to see in survivors each and every day.
“Sexual violence continues to be one of the most hidden forms of gender-based violence, with the harm of sexual exploitation being particularly invisible.”
The event is supported by the Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership. Chair, Lex Greig said: “As survivors seek help in greater numbers than ever before the challenge for the next 10 years will be to continue to develop to meet that increased need and I have absolutely no doubt that RASAC P&K has the leadership, staff and volunteers to meet that challenge head on.”
The free exhibition in the civic hall of the council headquarters at 2 High Street, Perth, is open 12.30pm to 5pm daily and 9am to 12.30pm on the final day, Friday October 27.
