The drawing was done after some extensive research, like for the colors. Orange is the Teen dating violence awareness color. This piece symbolizes reaching out, and not being in the dark. Suffering is so much harder when you are shut off, and remembering that people are there is always a good step in finding a way out. I made it because I was also in an unhealthy relationship and it took a very long time to take off the rose colored glasses and seek help from friends.

This original digital image was made by a senior from Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science on the Big Island of Hawai’i. According to Lucy, she purposefully made the character appear gender neutral, to highlight the fact that “Anyone Can Be A Victim.” Her hope was that more resources and support can be given to teens and young people that are involved in an unhealthy / abusive dating relationship.

This image was made to highlight a visual warning sign of abuse. Here, we see the survivor shows signs of crying, fear, as well as potential physical abuse like bruises and black eyes. The fact that she signals the viewer to keep quiet also demonstrates a sense of fear and concern for future abuse.

By: Keli’i Beyer, April 2020