Share Your Story
My first concern is for your safety - physically, emotionally, and mentally. Please participate only if you feel comfortable. If you wish to participate in this project and have experienced military sexual assault from fellow servicemen/women in Iraq or on other tours abroad please call 1-888-547-3531. The phone line is toll free and you will not have to talk to anyone. The line is set to go directly to a digital answering machine. You do not have to identify yourself in any way and you will remain anonymous. If you do not feel comfortable with sharing over a phone line then email/contact me and when can arrange something that will make you feel more comfortable. Perhaps it could be a written narrative that would be re-told by an actor for digitization. It is up to you. The narrative that you share will only be used for this project. After you tell your story please keep in touch with me or the project by visiting the blog or participating in the forum. The documentary installation will be taking place during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of June, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario. After this exhibition I hope to continue to showcase this work throughout Canada and the United States.
If you would like to talk or email me, please feel free to do so at any point. You can find out further information about my past projects and my thesis work at www.heatherlidberg.com. If you know of others who would like to get involved by sharing their experiences please pass along this information and website to them.
Lastly I would like to remind you that I too have experienced military sexual trauma while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. These assaults were carried out by another soldier and too well I know the anguish and pain. I have acknowledged and given voice to that part of my life and now use it as an asset to create artworks and help others. Almost two years ago I created an audio narration of my own story to help me reflect upon my experience with military sexual trauma. I felt that it helped me to recall and deal with some of the lingering issues that were attached to that event in my life. And so this project is born out of that place inside of me.
Thank you for your time.
Potential Questions
How will this process work?
If you have a story to share call the toll free number 1-888-547-3531. The secure line is connected to a digital answering service that will capture your audio. Then I will install the audio stories in the chairs for the new media documentary piece.
What are my expectations?
The only expectation I have of you is that your story is honest and that you are or have experienced military sexual trauma in Iraq, Afghanistan, or on any other tours abroad.
How long do I have to speak?
You may speak for as long as it takes to tell your story.
How much time do I have?
You have as much time as needed to tell your story. There is no deadlines or pressure. Share your story at your pace.
What if I mess up on the phone message?
If you feel like you have "messed up" in any way on the phone message, first of all don't worry; I messed up the message recording multiple times. Just call back again when you feel comfortable. Take your time and pause when you need to.
How will my story be used?
I will be the only one using these stories and I will only be using it for my thesis project.
Do I have to say my name?
If you want to identify yourself in any way it is completely up to you. If you want to remain anonymous you may do so as well.
How do I get information on the projects progress?
If you would like further information such as articles, books, etc that I have come across in my research feel free to visit www.heatherlidberg.com. Also come back to this website and join the forum discussions or check into my blog for information about where the project is at.
What if I have further questions?
If you have further questions go to the contact section and you may reach me by whatever means you feel most comfortable.
What if I know other people who have shared a similar experience?
If you know others who might want to participate then please direct them to this website or my contact information for further information. Or if they want to share their stories let them know to call 1-888-547-3531.
Show your support by sharing your story. Your story is important. Your story will be heard.