By John Hayden
A sweet text, a surprise dinner, flowers arrive at work- all just because. Most relationships start out great, or we wouldn’t pursue them.
However, over time, many find the texts become controlling, dinner is eaten in silence, and the flowers have long wilted. Domestic violence creeps into relationships and can be mental, physical, and often both. Making the problem worse is the stigma around the topic which can further intimidate and silence victims.
Susan Buzzi is giving them a voice through photography, and if a picture is worth a thousand words, then her work speaks volumes.
“Every so often, I have the extraordinary opportunity to bring the voices to the surface for everyone to hear,” she tells OutClique.
With support from the Broward Cultural Division, she’s created a photography exhibit focusing on domestic violence.
“My main objective with this photo documentary is to bring awareness and deliver the message visually and promote it through the arts,” she says. “This is the challenge and my distinct honor.”
Her careers in law enforcement, education, counseling, and advocacy have converged with her passion for photography for years. Buzzi responded to more domestic violence calls than she can count and says most people need at least five attempts to leave their abuser for good. She has vivid memories of situations so bad she had to help a victim leave to find shelter. Now, she’s telling their stories through photography.
Buzzi’s latest exhibition, This Is How I Feel, focuses on domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual assault. The exhibition has an opening reception at 3PM on September 18, 2022 and runs through October 24 at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre and Art Gallery at 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Sunrise, FL.
“Lola,” whose name has been changed to protect her safety, is one of the people impacted by Buzzi’s activism. Lola found herself in a marriage of convenience that became violent.
“She started choking me, gaslighting. It was a whirlwind.”
Over time, she was eventually able to extricate herself from the dangerous situation. Eventually she met “B,” and they have built a strong relationship that has Lola gushing.
“I finally found the love of my life. I cherish her.”
Domestic violence is particularly pernicious in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially among trans people. They are more likely to be abused in public and less likely to get restraining orders. Studies show that 54 percent of transgender and nonbinary people will suffer intimate partner violence at some point. The trend continues across nearly every demographic of the LGBTQIA+ community, including 40 percent of LGBTQIA+ youth who say they don’t live in an accepting environment.
Instead of talking about it more, Buzzi confronts viewers with very powerful images. She says it’s a gift and a skill she has refined over time.
“My true passion has always been art, photography in particular, and my other areas of study followed through the years,” she says. “I do my part as an artist to convey the current climate and provide a true reflection of the times. Because domestic violence has personally touched my family, I dedicate my work to all victims and survivors.”
Buzzi also works tirelessly to combat human trafficking, and participated in a week-long conference in late July. She believes this is worse because it usually includes all the physical and mental torture of domestic violence and adds a layer of loss of control. People are brought to the country and their captors take their passports, forcing them to “work” for their freedom.
“Florida remains number three in trafficking statistics, so it’s time to pay attention,” she says. “The important lessons here are that we must re-evaluate and expand resources and re-imagine care in order to be more effective and proactive.”
Human trafficking and domestic violence are two problems that often go hand in hand. Buzzi’s work displays what she summed up in four words: “We must do better!”
