Art Therapy Gives Abuse Victims Creative Outlet

Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top ten nationally its for attractive qualities.  But a top ten ranking in domestic violence has a local agency struggling to make a difference.

Tuesday, April 21st 2009, 4:03 pm

By: News 9


By Darren Brown, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY-- Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top ten nationally its for attractive qualities.  But a top ten ranking in domestic violence has a local agency struggling to make a difference.

The Community Learning Council was established in 2001 when founder Ginger Decoteau saw a need for more learning opportunities for women affected by domestic abuse.

"Choose Success" was the first program that we had, and that teaches victims of domestic violence work skills," Decoteau said. 

The CLC also worked with abusers themselves, but realized  eventually that they needed to work in a prevention mode. 

"I feel that battering, being abusive, is learned behaviour," said Decoteau.  "So if we're going to change that, then we're gonna have to work with the children who witness it."

Decoteau said the domestic violence numbers she sees every day are staggering.

"Were number one in child abuse," said Decoteau.  " And it's sad to me that we don't have more programs and dollars available to really take a look at this and find out now we can end it."

Decoteau's not waiting around for those programs to be developed by state agencies.  Four years ago, the CLC started its own Art Therapy Program to assist kids that have witnessed or experienced domestic violence. 

It's a six-month program designed to help the kids deal with pent-up emotions they may have.

"That's where I believe most of the prevention can occur," said Jenny Gaspard, one of the CLC's art therapists.  "The cycle continues with kids, so when they witness it at home or they're a part of it at home, they tend to repeat what they've learned." 

"A lot of times what children have experienced through domestic violence especially, can be so traumatizing they may not have the words to express that," said Gaspard.  " The art allows them to kind of express that without having to use the words." 

And though the program is barely four years old, Decoteau and her staff are seeing signs of progress.

The CLC gives a "depression inventory" test to all kids at the beginning of the session, and gives another at the end.

"And we've seen the post with much better scores, with lower depression," said Decoteau. 

There are also encouraging signs at the six-month graduation ceremony.

"They don't want to stop at the end of six months," Decoteau said.  "Children asking to come back to therapy?  That's pretty amazing."

"If you keep all that pent up, that natural need to express, whether you're expressing anger, sadness, happiness, I think that leads to disorders," said Gaspard.  " And really kind of a pent-up human spirit."

Ginger Decoteau hopes to expand the CLC's Art Therapy Program soon, with perhaps a specialized session for adolescents. 

However, Decoteau is quick to point out that the mission of the CLC is more than just awareness. 

"That's the missing link to me," said Decoteau.  "Domestic violence is not just a cause, child abuse doesn't just deserve awareness.  Neither does sexual assault, these are crimes." 

THE OKLAHOMA SAFELINE NUMBER IS  1-800-522-SAFE (7233)

THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE NUMBER IS 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

 

 

 

                            

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