Songs for Survivors: What Artistic Expression Can Mean for Domestic Violence Survivors
- We Amplify Voices
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14
In 2022, we released our collaboration with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN), Songs for Survivors. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we would like to reflect on this project and its meaning for survivors and advocates alike.
This project was designed to amplify the voices of those impacted by domestic violence through a hands-on experience of healing through art.
WAV partnered with advocates from the Artemis Center, members of the Teen Advisory Council of Knox, youth from Turning Point, and survivors from Turning Point ORW to connect their groups with our artists and write four original songs representing the perspectives and journeys of each group.
Learn more about each organization’s stories and songwriting processes below. Then, hear from ODVN staff on the power of healing through art!
Artemis Center
The Artemis Center was founded in 1985 by a small group of women, at times working without pay, to provide services beyond housing and safety offered by most shelters. Based in Dayton, Ohio, Artemis Center now works with the community to empower survivors to heal and live free of domestic violence by providing safety, security, and hope for all domestic violence survivors.
In 2022, we partnered with Artemis Center staff in a workshop to write lyrics that speak directly to the population of families and women they serve. The song was then brought to life by Columbus artist Mery Steel.
"We saw you in the dark. Through the pain, we saw your heart, but you never walked alone."
Teen Advisory Council of Knox
Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is a youth-led prevention team that engages Knox County youth in grades 9 - 12, who actively work to end teen dating violence, as well as the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and substance use among peers. They encourage young men and women to stand up for themselves by empowering confidence, while making wholesome choices and maintaining healthy relationships among their peers.
TAC worked with hip-hop artist Dom Deshawn to put their message into lyrics, creating the original song "Not Alone.” The song speaks to the group’s overall mission to prevent unhealthy behaviors.
Their impactful lyrics echo as a group through the chorus:
"Heartbreaking, body shaking, don't know what to do. I see your heart broken, eyes soaking, but you got us, too. Now listen to this, I know that you feel it in your bones, life’s been harder than stone, but you're not alone."
Turning Point
Established in 1978, Turning Point provides survivors of domestic violence and their children with safe, secure, temporary shelter in a comfortable atmosphere in Marion and Delaware Counties. With additional resources as support groups, children and teen programs, pet accommodations, and victims' rights advocacy, Turning Point enables survivors of domestic violence to live a life free of violence.
Artist Grant Kendricks partnered with Turning Point youth on the song “Living Free” to channel their emotions into an upbeat and empowering song.
“Oh, I’m done with all the misery when I’m moving to the melody”
Turning Point at the Ohio Reformatory for Women
In 2015, Turning Point began programming at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, aimed at covering the dynamics of intimate partner violence and the effects of trauma. Keeping in mind that the majority of women in prison have been victims of domestic violence before their incarceration.
Carol Louise partnered with the women of Turning Point ORW to craft this powerful song about pushing through to better days with the help of friends.
“And if you keep pushing and following through, you’re gonna walk on that mountain with the highest view.”
ODVN Advocate Stories & The Power of Healing Through Art
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) is a part of the National Network to End Domestic Violence. They support and strengthen Ohio’s response to domestic violence through survivor support, training, public awareness, and technical assistance, and promote social change through public policy. They empower survivors and their children, and advocate for the elimination of violence wherever it occurs.
To reflect on the impact of working with survivors and the power of healing through art, we heard the stories of ODVN Coordinators Sonia Ferencik, Lindsey Lamp, and Shelly Stout, Artemis Center Executive Director Jane Keiffer, and Art Therapist Thomas Hanica.
Hear their stories for yourself below!
"Artistic expression is the most direct and honest pathway to self"
Learn how Lindsey, Tom, and Shelly foster safe spaces so individuals can express their difficult emotions and experiences, and how our songwriting workshops provided the opportunity to speak from a place of truth, process difficult feelings, and connect through creative expression
Listen in as art therapist Tom Hanicak explains how art lets us get to deeper parts of ourselves and express hard feelings through artistic expression. Artists Dom Deshawn & Grant Kendricks also speak on how music can be a healing tool for us to use in our daily lives
Hear Tom’s full story of survivor advocacy and support through art therapy
Listen, Save, and Share Songs for Survivors
By saving Songs for Survivors, listening, and talking about it with others, you help amplify survivor voices and make their stories heard. Join us by building empathy and awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and beyond.
Support Spotlight
Thank you to the organizations that made this project possible.
