Chen's Workshop to Help in Healing Sexual Assault Victims|走出性侵陰霾 陳潔晧"畫筆"助復原

Over 16,000 sexual assault cases are reported in Taiwan every year. Contrary to stereotypes, men can also be victims and it often takes greater courage for men to talk about their experiences. Let's take a look at Chen Chieh-hao's story today.


Thirty-eight-year-old Chen Chieh-hao founded this art workshop four years ago as a place of healing for sexual assault victims.

The images I have created -- I am used to their eyes on me and me looking back at them. The creative process fills me with warmth and joy.

Chen was sexually assaulted by his nanny's family when he was three. Decades later, the nightmare lived on in him and he turned to meditating, drawing and reading to find inner peace. With the support of his wife, he gradually reclaimed his life.

When you share your true feelings with people who are important to you, it may make them feel uncomfortable. However, it is a process you have to go through. You have to come to terms with how you really feel to understand yourself and what kind of person you are.

Chen's parents chose to turn a blind eye to what happened to him, which hurt him even more. He hopes art can help other victims move forward the way it helped him.