A group of local artists and businesses have come together to produce powerful and thought-provoking window art to help raise awareness of domestic abuse.
A team of locally-based artists have been working with businesses and organisations on turning 30 hardboard ribbons into unique pieces of art to be displayed in prominent city centre locations next week.
The white ribbon has become a symbol to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which this year falls on Saturday 25 November. Throughout the city and county, however, the white ribbon has been adopted as a commitment against all domestic abuse, no matter what form it takes – whether verbal, emotional, physical or sexual – of the gender of the abuser or abused.
In the lead up to this globally observed day, these artworks will be installed to catch the eye of shoppers, workers, visitors to the city as a way of highlighting the issue, with an extra focus on how to raise awareness among men, who are less likely to talk to anyone about the abuse they’re experiencing.
And the issue is perhaps far more common than people may think, with some statistics putting the figure as high as one in three women and one in five men experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Norfolk-based artist Danny Keen, just one of the artists dedicating time and creative energy on the project, said:
“It is hoped that this innovative scheme will shine a bright light on an all
too often neglected issue.”
Philip Browne, one of the business owners who will have a window display in his menswear shop of the same name explained why he was motivated to take part, saying:
“Honestly, the reason I agreed to get involved with this project is because I don’t know much about it and that is exactly the issue.
It’s a common problem but clearly one we don’t talk about enough and if I can be a small part of helping to open up the discussion, I’m in.”
Councillor Chris Herries, cabinet member for safe, stronger neighbourhoods said:
“Domestic abuse touches so many lives and yet is not talked about enough. We would like to thank all who have been so generous in giving up their time to help spread the message: There is help and support out there for you, whoever you are.”
The artists who have created ribbons include:
Alexandra Cassanova, Jocelyn Jacobson-Cole, Danny Keen, Vince Laws, Jack McKenzie, Ann Nicholls, Su Nicholls, Danielle Read, Robert Rijkhoff, Sofia Salazar, David Shenton, Heather Tamplin, Bruer Tidman, Yoshi and Philip Yorke.
Where to find the ribbons
Locations of the ribbons include:
Benedicts, The Bookhive, Cookes, City Hall, Croppers, County Hall, Elements, The Forum, Frank’s Bar, Grosvenor Fish Bar, North, Norwich Market, NML, Philip Browne, Pure Brides, Seven Wolves, Soundclash and Thorns.
Help and support
For help call the National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
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