“Be patient where you sit in the dark. The dawn is coming.” – RumiAs the Light Campaign and 2017 end, I share these images from Tanvi* that symbolise healing and new beginnings. The first image is of a key entering a lock that will open a door. “This represents the filling up of the emptiness in our lives,” Tanvi says. “The healing.” Tanvi has experienced much hurt in her life. She was sexually abused by those she trusted most: three men in her family. When she decided to pursue the case in court, she lost all support from her family. She has forgiven the men who committed the abuse, and while she moves forward with her life, she still searches for answers to why they treated her the way they did. The second image is water pouring over a plant. “This represents the new beginning we give our lives,” Tanvi says. Water gives life to plants that are thirsty and dry and helps them heal and grow. Rabindranath Tagore said, “When I stand before thee at the day’s end, thou shalt see my scars and know that I had my wounds and also my healing.” At the year’s ends, as we open the door and step into the new year, I hope it’s one of new beginnings, healing from wounds that have burdened you and abundant growth. * Name changed to protect identity
CSJ partnered with a shelter home on a photo project that resulted in images used in the Light Campaign. All project participants reside in and receive psychosocial support from the shelter home. While CSJ provides legal and psychosocial support during criminal proceedings to some of the project’s participants, some images used in the campaign are from participants who we do not represent.