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Empowerment Mask Showcase: A Celebration of Healing and Resilience

(Left) Dr. Steinzor explains the purpose behind the Empowerment Masks to (left to right) Abigail Carter, Heather Herlin, and Joanne Barrett.
(Left) Dr. Steinzor explains the purpose behind the Empowerment Masks to (left to right) Abigail Carter, Heather Herlin, and Joanne Barrett.
By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

As April's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) draws to a close, VA Providence hosted the Empowerment Mask showcase, honoring the resilience and healing of Veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

This event, aligned with SAAPM's theme "Finding Your Path to Healing," took place on Thursday, April 25th, offering a unique glimpse into the personal healing journeys of many Veterans.

Throughout the month, survivors participated in the "Empowerment Mask" workshops, hosted by VA Providence's MST Coordinator Dr. Lindsey Steinzor, where they crafted masks that served as symbols of their survival and resilience. These masks, more than just art, told stories of pain, injustice, and above all, the unyielding strength and resilience that have enabled these Veterans to forge meaningful lives despite their experiences.

With approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experiencing MST during their service. The workshops provided a sanctuary for Veterans to articulate and explore the dualities of their healing journeys, revealing the often-concealed impacts of trauma beneath the surface.

The Empowerment Mask event was more than just a showcase; it was a crucial step in honoring and recognizing the incredible journeys of our Veterans. It reminded everyone involved of the privilege it is to support and stand by our brave men and women who, through their creativity and vulnerability, teach us all about the power of healing and the human spirit's capacity to overcome.