Skip to main content

Stories of Students Surviving Gender Violence: A Chapel Exhibit

Chapel Exhibit

Duke students present their own stories of surviving sexual and gender violence in a new exhibit, "Breaking Out," on display in Duke Chapel through Oct. 30.

The exhibit opened with a reception Oct. 17 in which organizers spoke about its power to help heal through art.  Organizers said the exhibit countered a culture of silence that shames, blames, and isolates survivors of gender violence.

Each photo tells a story of gender violence and carries a message from the survivor about the act. “I decided to join the Breaking Out Exhibit because I want other survivors of sexual assault to know they are not alone. I want them to know they have a community that will support and believe in them," said one student.

“Breaking Out” will be displayed in the Chapel for public viewing during Gender Violence Prevention & Awareness Month, It's done in partnership with Duke Presbyterian Campus Ministry and the Duke Women's Center. The exhibit curator is Hanna Metaferia, Trinity ’14 graduate, PathWays Chapel Scholar, and Presbyterian Campus Ministry alumna.

Photos of exhibit opening by James Todd/Duke Chapel

chapel exhibit

exhibit opening