Local child abuse survivor opens up about art piece at New York exhibit

A new art exhibit, filled with the work of victims and survivors of child abuse, is now open to the public in New York. Each art piece reflects the victim’s harrowing experiences and ability to overcome them.

“Overcame: Art of The Abused Child,” presented by The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center (BSCC), features 84 pieces of original art.

“For the longest time, I never thought I could overcome the obstacle of being a victim of sexual abuse,” said Maleyna Gregorio. She was abused by her music teacher, who started grooming her with inappropriate texts, touching and gifts- eventually leading to sexual abuse.

“I think people have a common saying of, you know, shake it off, it'll be okay. And that's just not the case. And so I think, you know, depression, anxiety, being scared and sad and all around felt guilt.”

Over the last four years, she’s underwent extensive counseling at the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

According to the center, 90% of child sex abuse is committed by trusted family, friends or clergy members.

“I still struggle with it a little bit. I think it's always going to be an ongoing healing journey. You know, life, life always throws curveballs at us. But yeah, I think I think that's something that people just need to be aware of,” Gregorio explained.

The exhibit, “Overcame: Art of The Abused Child," was named after Gregorio’s piece.

“On one of our free projects, you know, we kind of had a free for all. And so they gave us canvas and spray paint, and the words that came to me were overcame. And so I did it.”

The 1,500 square-foot exhibit will be complete with a private, safe space for reflection and discussion with two therapists available on site. Filled with art dating back to as early as 1987, pieces range from written word and clear illustrations of a memory.

It aims to raise awareness of the alarming prevalence of child abuse. As many as 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are sexually abused by age 18.

“It's nice to see how a lot of people just like walk through walk through the exhibit, and are kind of being brought up to the, to the fact that it's an epidemic. And you know, everyone needs to know about it.”

Gregorio’s message to any children suffering from abuse: “You're not alone, obviously, I think there's a lot of people who are going through similar or different, just going through the same path as you may be. And I think the biggest thing is, is obviously tell a trusted family member or someone you trust, and find the closest Resource Center to you.”

The exhibit is open to the public in Vanderbilt Hall inside Grand Central Terminal in New York City from July 15 – 21.

However, the center plans to take it across the country for pop-up exhibits in the future.

For more information on their initiative, click here.