Your Voice Is Free Theatre Launch

Monday, 8th February, 2010

East Lothian Sexual Abuse Service and Edinburgh Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre are delighted to announce the launch of Your Voice Is Free Theatre; an exciting and dynamic new drama project for communities affected by gender-based violence in East Lothian.

Funded through the Fairer East Lothian Fund, Your Voice is Free aims to use the media of drama, movement, art and music to both raise awareness of gender-based violence and its impacts on women, children and communities in East Lothian, and to support those affected to build confidence, self-worth and aspirations in a friendly and safe environment.

Violence against women remains a serious social problem. In the UK, 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse within their lifetime; 20% of girls experience childhood sexual abuse and between 1 in 4 and 1 in 10 women experience rape and sexual assault.

The impacts and effects of violence against women are often life changing and can be lifelong- they can include physical injuries, acute and chronic anxiety and stress, flashbacks, fear, panic attacks, low self-esteem, social isolation, depression and other forms of mental ill-health and suicidal feelings/ attempts. Many women describe how their experience(s) of violence and abuse cross-cut all aspects of their life- impacting on their physical, emotional and mental health, employment and/or education, family life, intimate relationships and friendships. Gender-based violence can thus have a devastating impact on women’s life chances and prospects.

Over the next year, Your Voice Is Free will run a series of drama-based groups and workshops for communities affected by gender-based violence in East Lothian- focussing on women survivors, young people and people with learning difficulties. Our first two groups, starting in March 2010, will be for women who have experienced any form of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage and so-called honour crimes. Each group will run for 10 weeks, and will include fun drama games, designed to build confidence, and opportunities to meet new people and learn about different dramatic techniques, such as improvisation.

For further information about Your Voice is Free, please contact Maria Maguire or Tina Bryson on 0131 557 6737 or email yourvoiceisfree@ewrasac.org.uk