May, 2023
By Emily Chalambaga and Liliana Castillo, Staff Reporters
The Bastrop Muesem and Visitor Center, located at 904 Main Street, Bastrop, TX, has displayed an exhibit by the Family Crisis Center Foundation about the topic of sexual assault. This exhibit allows one to learn about the history of the Family Crisis Center and how the organization came to be as well known as it is today. The museum showcases the history of sexual assault awareness throughout the years after it was established while also presenting many important art pieces that convey grief, fear, and healing.
When first entering the museum, we are presented with a trigger warning on the door advising visitors to be cautious of the contents inside as the room contains graphic imagery that may be disturbing to some. As you enter, you are greeted with a display of the history of the Family Crisis Center and how it has grown to a well-known organization utilized to help sexual assault victims, as well as how the organization came to be.
Additionally, there was a display showing the clothing that sexual assault victims wore when they were taken advantage of, and some with their stories attached. These pieces of art help serve as a reminder that it truly does not matter what you are wearing and that people can be monstrous, manipulative, and downright evil. They’ll commit acts as heinous as rape and proceed on with their lives, with no care for the side effects the victim will likely deal with for the rest of their lives.
However, organizations such as FCC help victims come to terms with their trauma and help them heal from the horrors they’ve endured. Many victims have created art pieces to creatively convey their trauma and to help them cope, such as the mosaic of the broken woman by Erin Boyd made of broken glass, poems that depict sexual abuse, and the blanket of mixed felt that each tells a different story.
People of all ages, genders, and races contributed to these pieces, and the backstories of each of them are truly heartbreaking. These art pieces are as beautiful as they are devastating and tell stories that are much more complex than simply “I was abused.” The pieces become three-dimensional and encourage people to start a dialogue about “taboo” subjects such as domestic violence. It’s important to raise more awareness of these topics because although they may be uncomfortable to talk about, the public should address these matters to help more people cope with the aftermaths of such experiences.
Even though you may not have been impacted directly, it is important to acknowledge and be aware of how others may have gone through this. Be mindful of the experiences they have gone through and be as patient as you can. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, please reach out to a person you trust and feel comfortable with, whether that be a teacher, counselor, friend, or family member. Although the experiences may leave you scarred, know that you aren’t alone and that there are people who relate to your experiences and can help you process and cope with the trauma.
For those who may not have people to talk to, you can visit the RAINN website, call 512-303-7755 for the Family Crisis Center 24/7 Hotline, or text 1-800-656-4673 for additional support. Know that you are not alone and that there are people here in this world who both love and support you!
The Cardinal Post 