The secret keeper story

Disclaimer

Please be aware that the content of this video illustrates Catherine Daniels experience of sexual abuse through metaphor and visual representation with the help of the sculptures she has created. Viewer discretion is advised.

This video is not intended as a substitute for direct expert assistance. If therapeutic or emergency assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. A list of agencies and services is available here https://thesecretkeep

The Secret Keeper, artwork by Catherine Daniels, Survivor from Abuse in Care Royal Commission on Vimeo.

Survivor and artist Catherine Daniels will share her experience of abuse in care through her art at the public hearing.

In the four-minute video, The Secret Keeper, Catherine shows pieces of her art and reads pieces of her writing. She shares the impacts of abuse on her life and calls for change to stop abuse happening to more children.

Catherine experiences debilitating mental distress brought on by abuse she endured, some while in care. She uses art, sculpture and writing to express her feelings and emotions about her childhood trauma, including through a recent exhibition. Catherine never knew how to express the deep trauma she experiences until she began writing and sculpting her art.

Throughout this upcoming hearing, survivors who are disabled, Deaf or living with mental health conditions will share their own experiences.

This inquiry has received evidence through art, poetry, music, New Zealand Sign Language and both augmentative and facilitated communication.