Survivors share stories at Abbie photo exhibit, benefit

Heidi Long, volunteer photographer for the Abbie Shelter, will never forget the quotes survivors of domestic violence gave her to pair with their photographs.

“Some of them, it’s like a kick in the gut,” she said. “One woman’s quote was, ‘He had me convinced that I couldn’t make it on my own. I proved us both wrong.’ That, to me, is very powerful, and can be applied to so many situations.”

Through their images and wise words, these women step forth from the blackness of abuse as survivors shining in a series of black and white photos with quotes in a unique exhibit. It opens as part of “The Vagina Monologues” performance benefiting The Abbie Shelter/Violence Free Crisis Line Feb. 21 and 22 at the O’Shaughnessey Center in Whitefish.

An annual event, the monologues’ performances have become the organization’s flagship events raising money for the Abbie Shelter’s services to victims of all manner of sexual, physical, verbal and psychological abuse called domestic violence.

 Long said this exhibit meshes perfectly with the performance of “The Vagina Monologues” with its goal of educating and spreading awareness. The play was written by a survivor of sexual abuse and incest as a child.

According to Long, the idea for the survivors’ photos developed in conversations she had with Abbie Shelter board member Jenn Prunty. Long, a board member for Samaritan House, described Prunty as an excellent advocate for Abbie Shelter over the last few years.

As the owner of Longviews Studios for 13 years, Long volunteered to interview the survivors for quotes and then take the photographs. So far, she has completed nine but hopes to find six more to feature.

Long also needs sponsors to donate $100 per photograph to pay for the printing, mounting, standout board and quotes.

“None of that goes to me,” she said. “Anything left over goes to Abbie Shelter.”

She recalled talking about the photography project at a local restaurant. Two men at an adjacent table overheard their conversation.

“On the spot, they said, ‘Sign us up. We’ll donate $100,’” she recalled. “They knew Jenn, and they knew the good work that Abbie Shelter is doing here. The community we have here — people are so giving and willing to help, and yes, so many people know someone who has been abused.”

Long said this project stands out from others addressing domestic violence because it features survivors. She said these people have left abusive relationships behind and volunteered their images and insights to help others.

“What we’re hoping is that a lot of these quotes can really resonate with other survivors or people who are currently in abusive situations,” she said. “What is very interesting to me is how different all the stories are.”

Long said the abusers ran the gamut from husband to parent to partner. Even a man has come forward, which she said may surprise some people.

“Most people think of only women being involved in domestic abuse, but of course, that isn’t the case,” Long said.

Some survivors posed with their faces and identities revealed, while others chose to remain anonymous. Each photograph reflects the wisdom each acquired during her journey out of domestic violence.

Long believes the quotes paired with the photo make the show really intriguing.

“One woman is drawn up in a ball and you can’t see her face,” she said. “Her quote is, ‘I withdrew from my family and friends out of shame and self-doubt. I realize now he was counting on that.’ So, you look at the picture and your read the quote; the two together make it even more impactful.”

As an interactive aspect of the exhibit, members of the public may write their own quotes on a blank poster included in the show.

 Long said the women and one man who have volunteered so far found out about the project by word-of-mouth and then came forward to participate. She considers the women and man very brave.

“It’s the re-opening of a wound,” she said. “They are willing to re-address it on their own terms. They are willing to display themselves to the public. They’re mostly wanting to help other people in that situation.”

According to Long, her volunteer photography reflects her personal choice of subject matter. Her studio work involves photographing architecture and food in recent years, although she had done lifestyle photos and used to do clothing catalog work.

“It’s very exciting for me to photograph something that has a pulse,” she said with a laugh. “This is what I do on my own to get my creative juices flowing. I have a lot of passion that goes into this.”

People interested in sponsoring a photo, or survivors of domestic violence interested in participating, may contact Long at 756-1489 or Hilary Shaw at The Abbie Shelter and Violence Free Crisis Line at 752-4735.