STRASBOURG, 18 June 2025 – A powerful art exhibition opened this week at the Council of Europe, marking the 15th anniversary of the Lanzarote Convention’s entry into force. The exhibition brings together the voices of child sexual abuse survivors from six countries, blending striking visual compositions with personal testimonies that confront silence, stigma, and the urgent need for change.
Through 15 evocative artworks, survivors transform trauma into a collective call to action—urging societies to protect children more effectively and ensure that those who have endured abuse are heard, believed, and supported. They share reflection on vital measures States can take to prevent such abuse.
In her address at the opening of the exhibition, Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger honoured the resilience of survivors, describing the exhibition as “a tribute to courage, resilience, and truth,” and underscoring the role of art as a tool for advocacy. “These works remind us of our responsibility: to protect children, to listen to survivors, and to build systems that never look away,” she concluded, reaffirming Malta’s commitment to child protection and the amplification of survivors’ voices.
Marja Ruotanen, the Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity echoed this sentiment. She noted that while the Lanzarote Convention has provided vital legal foundations over the past 15 years, the stories on display highlight that legislation alone is not enough. Taboos still linger and silence remains the abuser’s most dangerous weapon. She called for a much-needed cultural shift, one where children are not only seen and heard, but truly believed and safeguarded.
One of the most striking testimonies came from actor, playwright, and activist Matthew McVarish, co-founder of the Brave Movement. In a deeply personal account, he spoke of the abuse he and his brothers endured at the hands of a close relative, and the sense of abandonment they felt by those who should have safeguarded them. These dark chapters inspired him to write a theatrical piece exploring the lives of men who were sexually abused as children. Following the performance, Matthew and his brothers led a powerful post-show discussion, shedding light on their story and encouraging others to break the silence.
The exhibition is a joint initiative by the Council of Europe’s Children’s Rights Division, organised under the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, and in partnership with the Brave Movement—a global network of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The exhibition reflects a growing international commitment to child protection—setting the stage for the Council of Europe’s first ministerial conference on children’s rights to be held in Malta between 30 June and 1 July.
