Shared stories in a safe space
Over 6 workshops, more than 60 women came together. In a safe space, they shared stories of violence, abuse and sexual assault. For many, it was the first time they had shared their stories.
In addition, we also interviewed other older women. Here are their stories:
Body Maps
A body map is a creative, trauma-aware way for older women to tell their stories.
Using a life-sized body silhouette, women use colour, symbols, and images to explore:
- Where power sits in their body
- Where they have felt safe or unsafe
- Experiences of intimacy, harm, and sexual safety
- How past violence and inequality have shaped their lives
Body mapping creates a safe, supported space where older women can express experiences that may be hard to speak aloud — especially sexual assault, which many were never given language for.
Through six workshops with over 60 women, body maps revealed:
- The silencing of older women across decades
- The contemporary impact of past inequalities
- The strategies women use to stay safe
- The importance of visibility, validation, and healing
Body maps make hidden stories seen — helping service providers understand older women’s realities and design better, more respectful responses.
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