Courageous survivors share their stories to give others confidence to come forward

After Heather Borthwick-Jacobs was assaulted, she kept playing events over in her head and struggled to recover from her ordeal.

She started painting as a form of therapy and is now an advocate for speaking out and ensuring the voices of survivors are heard.

Heather’s work is on display in Bridewell Police Station as part of an exhibition created by people who have survived abuse or assault in a bid to raise awareness of support services available and give others the confidence to come forward.

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Stories of survivors of domestic abuse have been written on individual sheets underneath a photograph of their eyes, providing a hard-hitting and powerful narrative. The month-long #BeHeard campaign also features paintings, sculpture, photography and audio accounts.

Safe Link CEO Carol Metters, deputy chief constable Sarah Crew, PCC Sue Mountstevens, Sarah O’Leary from Safe Link and exhibition contributor Olivia Oxenfree, with dog Bliss. Photo by Ellie Pipe

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens wants to highlight the work carried out by support and advocacy services such as Safe Link and Swan Advocacy, and ensure people know what’s available and feel able to use them.

“Since becoming PCC in 2012, it has been a priority of mine to put victims first. The art created by these courageous survivors show their recovery journey and experiences, and I am amazed at their talents and how far so many of them have come.

“#BeHeard celebrates and raises awareness of available services for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour who often do not know where to turn. It is important that victims know it is never too late to come forward. We want you to be heard and want you to know that help and support will always be available.”

Sue Mountstevens says it’s important victims know it’s never too late to come forward . Photo by Ellie Pipe

The aim of the exhibition is to make people aware that there is advocacy, emotional and psychological support available for victims of crime, whether they choose to report to police or not, no matter how long ago it took place.

Survivors hope that #BeHeard will encourage others to speak out and assure them there are people who will hear and understand them.

The #BeHeard exhibition aims to raise awareness of services available and ensure the voices of survivors are heard. Photo by Ellie Pipe

Recounting their experience, one survivor, who sought help through Safe Link, said: “I was in a very isolated place following my sexual assault. I couldn’t talk to anyone about it and my family did not know what to say or do. Until I found Safe Link. Without them, I would not be where I am today; I would have left my job and be in a very poor state of PTSD. They gave me strength and hope.”

At the launch of the exhibition on Wednesday, deputy chief constable Sarah Crew, the national lead for adult sexual offences, said rape prosecution rates have dropped to the lowest ever in the UK, something that is cause for “huge concern” across agencies.

Crew is on the team undertaking a government review to urgently address the issues.

“Given the impact that rape can have, if our criminal justice system cannot adequately work and bring offenders to justice, it’s a real concern across the board,” she told Bristol24/7.

“The real value of the exhibition is raising awareness. There is a lot of the focus is around criminal justice outcomes but, for victims to recover, the criminal justice element is a very small part. Being believed and having access to services is so important.”

The exhibition will move to the police and fire HQ in Portishead next to raise awareness among officers.

Survivors have told their stories through words, sculpture, paintings and photos. Photo by Ellie Pipe

For information about accessing support services visit Lighthouse.

Main photo of Heather Borthwick-Jacobs with two of the pieces she painted specially for the exhibition. Photo by Ellie Pipe

Read more: Breaking the cycle