The Power of Poetry and Movement
Survivors of domestic abuse often struggle to put their experiences into words. The trauma can be overwhelming, making it difficult to articulate the pain, confusion, and resilience that come with surviving such experiences. But art—whether poetry, dance, or other creative expressions—has the power to give survivors a voice when words alone fail.
At The Dandelion Project, we believe in the power of movement to transform pain into strength, to raise awareness, and to foster healing.
Two of our recent works, Resilience and Hide and Seek, were featured at the Healthwatch Essex Trauma Awareness Exhibition at The Minories in Colchester, shedding light on the deep and lasting impact of domestic violence and abuse.
Resilience: A Poem That Speaks the Unspeakable
Poetry is raw, evocative, and deeply personal. Resilience, one of our featured works, captures the reality of surviving abuse—of being broken but not defeated, of finding strength in the midst of pain. It resonates with those who have walked the path of survival, giving them a mirror in which they can see their own experiences validated.
Through rhythm and words, poetry has the ability to unlock emotions that may have been buried. Survivors reading or hearing Resilience may feel seen, understood, and less alone. Meanwhile, for those who have never experienced domestic abuse, the poem serves as an educational tool—offering a glimpse into the lived realities of survivors and challenging misconceptions about abuse.
RESILIENT - Read and Listen here
Hide and Seek: The Silent Story Told Through Movement
Alongside Resilience, our dance film Hide and Seek was also featured at the exhibition, using movement to tell a survivor’s story. Dance is a powerful tool for expressing trauma, especially when words feel inadequate.
The piece explores the conflicting emotions survivors face—the fear, the isolation, the hope of escape, and the struggle to rebuild. The body holds trauma in ways the mind often suppresses, and through movement, survivors can begin to release the weight of their experiences. Dance allows for catharsis, enabling survivors to reclaim their bodies and their power.
For audiences, Hide and Seek serves as an eye-opening experience. Without needing dialogue, the performance conveys the emotional turmoil of abuse, making it accessible and impactful even to those unfamiliar with the subject.
Why the Arts Matter in Domestic Abuse Awareness and Recovery
The intersection of poetry and movement creates a powerful platform for change. Here’s why the arts are so impactful in this space:
1. Giving Survivors a Voice
Many survivors of domestic abuse feel silenced, whether by fear, shame, or societal stigma. Creative expression provides a way to break that silence in a way that feels safe and empowering.
2. Raising Awareness in a Deeply Personal Way
Statistics and facts are essential in the fight against domestic abuse, but stories—especially when shared through art—resonate on an emotional level. Poetry and dance bring these experiences to life, making them impossible to ignore.
3. Healing Through Expression
Survivors often carry trauma in their bodies and minds. Movement-based therapies, including dance, can help release stored trauma, while poetry allows emotions to be processed and understood.
4. Creating Empathy and Action
When people witness a powerful poem or dance piece about abuse, it can spark real change. Art can move people to advocate, donate, support survivors, or even recognize warning signs in their own lives or communities.
5. Transforming Pain into Power
The arts provide a pathway for survivors to reclaim their stories—not as victims, but as resilient individuals who are rebuilding their lives. Through creative expression, pain can be transformed into something powerful, inspiring, and even healing for others.
Be More Dandelion: Spreading Strength and Awareness
At The Dandelion Project, we use movement as a tool for transformation, not just for survivors but for society as a whole. Every piece we create is designed to start conversations, break stigmas, and offer hope.
If Resilience or Hide and Seek moved you, know that these stories are not isolated—they represent the lived experiences of so many survivors. Through awareness, education, and creative expression, we can continue to support those affected by domestic abuse and work toward a world where resilience is not born out of suffering, but nurtured by community and empowerment.
Want to be part of the movement? Follow us on Instagram at @_TheDandelionProject and join the conversation. Let’s keep raising our voices, through words, movement, and action.
Support Services for Survivors
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are people and organisations ready to help:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK)
Free, confidential support 24/7
Call: 0800 2000 247
Refuge
Specialist services for women and children
Call: 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid
Resources, advice, and online chat
Galop (Support for LGBTQ+ Survivors)
National helpline for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing abuse
Call: 0800 999 5428
Next Chapter (Essex)
Support and refuge services for women, men and children in Essex
Call: 01206 500585
RESPECT Men’s Advice Line
Help for men experiencing domestic abuse
Call: 0808 801 0327
