Interactive Vancouver mural raising awareness of violence against women

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The YWCA has unveiled a 42-foot mural in Downtown Vancouver depicting a queen rising with newfound strength, meant to offer hope to women who are being abused, connect them to resources, and raise awareness.

The mural is painted on the Hyatt Regency Hotel, at the corner of Burrard St and Melville Avenue. A vibrant tapestry of colour, it was painted by artist Ola Volo who was inspired by folk art from her Kazakh heritage. It incorporates symbols of bravery and hope, and shows a woman who is looking toward the horizon, embarking on a future free from violence.

“Coming onto this project, I thought a lot about what it takes to leave a domestic violence situation. It made me think of a powerful, brave queen who grants herself love and opportunities to thrive. Crown held high, she’s looking forward to the future, protecting the fragile bird companion on her shoulder, and rising above the snake that’s trying to hold her down,” Volo writes in a statement.

“I wanted the woman in this artwork to claim her confidence and her power back by taking up space. She isn’t small or fading into the background. She’s front and centre, and commands the attention she deserves – even in the busy streets of downtown Vancouver.”

Embedded in the mural are QR codes so anyone taking a snap on their phone immediately gets information about violence against women, information about available supports, and a link to donate to the YWCA’s newest housing project.

To break down the walls of violence, we painted a wall of hope.

Learn more about the story behind Ola Volo's Wall for Women: https://t.co/eb7frZkZ2Y#WallforWomen pic.twitter.com/RYYaq7S1VH

— YWCA Metro Vancouver (@YWCAVAN) March 16, 2021

The YWCA’s Vice President of Housing and Violence Prevention, Lisa Rupert, says the mural comes at a time when violence against women is on the rise.

“I think most people know that around the world there’s been an increase in gender-based violence during the pandemic. Violence against women in relationships is intensified because of stay at home orders that put women in more frequent contact with their abuser, they have less access to outside supports — their friends, their family places they used to go to be away from the abuse — and some of their supports are actually closed during this time,” she explains.

“They’re in less of a financial position to leave because of the social and economic impact of the crisis. Women are facing increased unemployment,and disproportionately responsible for unpaid childcare work during this time. We just really wanted to get the word out there to raise awareness about intimate partner violence, it is a public health crisis.”

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One woman is killed by a current or former partner every six days in Canada, and reports of domestic violence have risen by as much as 30 per cent in some parts of the country.

“We really wanted women experiencing violence to feel hope when they see this mural, and to know that there are supports and, and that these supports will help them to be able to live violence-free,” Rupert says.

“When people see this image of a powerful woman, and it’s a beautiful image as well, our hope is that they will check out the QR codes that they will learn more about violence against women, and that they will if they are people who are in a position to make change, in whatever capacity, that they will get involved in that. It’s an opportunity if people would like to, donate to the YWCA violence prevention efforts.”

The Metro Vancouver YWCA operates second-stage transition houses, facilitates programs for children who witness abuse, and offers outreach. Their support groups for single moms, job training programs, daycares, and housing projects also provide crucial support.

“All of our services are important because they wrap around that woman who has experienced abuse. Whether it’s childcare, employment or long-term housing, these are all things that people need when they’re leaving an abusive partner.”

Anyone who wants to experience the artwork without leaving home can check out the Wall for Women mural online.