It is estimated that the rate of domestic violence against women increases by as much as 30 per cent during the holidays. The December period is usually a time of joy and laughter with family and friends, but The Window Project seeks to highlight the plight of those trapped in abusive relationships during this time.
Canadian women’s shelter advocates The Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH) teamed up with FCB Toronto and a women’s shelter called, Yellow Brick house to construct a window installation that raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence.
The installation takes on the appearance of a happy holiday storefront display, but it is actually a call to action, allowing passers-by to donate $1 to OAITH via text to stop the abuse happening in the display for 60 seconds. The scene restarts once the 60 seconds runs out.
Speaking to PSFK, Charlene Catchpole, chair of the OAITH board of directors said: “The holidays can be a confusing time for women in abusive relationships, especially when there are children involved. Many women put on a good face and project an image of stability to keep the holidays a happy time. Our hope is that this campaign will break the lingering culture of silence that exists around violence against women.”
