MANSFIELD — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office hosted the 33rd annual Two Days in May Conference on Victim Assistance in downtown Columbus.
This vital event brought together victim advocates, advocacy organizations, and lawmakers to share knowledge and collaborate on strategies to better serve domestic violence survivors across Ohio.
A standout feature of this year’s conference was an exhibit from The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc. in Richland County.
The exhibit, featuring seven easels showcasing artwork and poetry created by teenagers and domestic violence survivors, was a powerful display of resilience and hope.
By using multimedia creativity, it brought focus to critical issues like teen dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault, while emphasizing the strength found in recovery.
One young artist, Avigayle Miller, a freshman at Lucas High School, contributed her piece titled Set Free. This artwork was submitted to The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc.’s Expressions: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Art & Poetry Contest. Seeing her work on display at the conference had a profound impact on her.
“It is nice to feel like I am putting out awareness of such a sensitive subject to people and letting people be more open to hearing about the subject and seeing it in different forms, like art,” Miller said.
Miller’s piece used light and dark contrasts to poignantly express both the challenges and hope surrounding domestic violence.
“There’s always stuff dragging you down, and even though you see the good things about something or a person, the bad things don’t change. The orb represents letting go and being free,” she explained.
Her vision captured the core message of the exhibit—to highlight the persistent struggles of survivors while celebrating the hope that recovery is possible.
The annual Two Days in May Conference provides a unique platform for advocates to access a wide range of workshops, covering topics to enhance support for survivors and prevent future abuse.
This year’s addition of The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc.’s exhibit underscored the importance of art as both a voice for survivors and a tool for education.
Through creative expression, the exhibit enriched the conference’s overarching mission of understanding and supporting those affected by violence.
“Art shows everyone’s different perspectives of life,” said Colleen Rice, Executive Director at The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc. “We hope this exhibit will resonate with attendees and inspire them as they take what they’ve learned back to their communities.”
The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc. continues to work tirelessly to support survivors, raise awareness, and foster understanding within the community. Their efforts at the conference demonstrate the impactful ways that creativity and advocacy can build bridges toward healing.
About The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc.
The Domestic Violence Shelter Inc., based in Richland County, is dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence and their families by providing shelter, advocacy, and education. Through their programs, they empower individuals to overcome trauma and build safer futures.
For media inquiries, please contact Colleen Rice, Executive Director at 419-774-5843 ext. 101 or crice@thedvshelter.com.