In May, I started making little paintings to raise money for organizations helping women affected by domestic violence. I had read about the increase in domestic violence since the start of the pandemic and wanted to do something to contribute in some way. I posted paintings on Instagram and Facebook and gave them to people in exchange for a donation to Interval House of Ottawa (or Black Women in Motion).
1 in 3 women experience physical violence at some point in their lives—often at the hands of an intimate partner. And half of all women in Canada have experienced at least 1 incident of physical or sexual violence by the age of 16. Those are shocking statistics. And UN Women says that, since the outbreak of COVID-19, violence against women and girls has been on the rise.
Places like Interval House of Ottawa give people who identify as women, their children and pets safe shelter and support, like counselling, to break the cycle of violence. A donation of $5 provides a family with a meal and $111 provides a woman with one day of safe shelter, counselling, meals and support.
From May to June, we raised close to $2000! Thank you to all of you who participated. Going forward, I am donating at least 50% from the sale of any piece on my site to Interval House of Ottawa (and some pieces will be entirely by donation!)
Because, as Glennon Doyle says, we belong to each other.
Love, s xo
