New installation explores ‘many intangibles’ of domestic abuse in Edmonton

An interactive art installation at Edmonton's Kingsway Mall is shining a light on gender-based violence.

Advocates are hoping to raise awareness around gender-based violence with a new art installation at Kingsway Mall.

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Light the Darkness launched on Thursday. The house-shaped interactive display invites visitors to explore experiences of women who have escaped violent situations at home.

The doll-house-like installation was created by award-winning local artist Tessa Stamp, with each miniature-filled room telling a real story from a woman who sought refuge at the Edmonton Women’s Shelter, also known as WIN (Women in Need) House.

WIN House CEO Leslie Allen explained that domestic abuse is complicated, and the house is a place to learn more about how different that journey can be for each person.

“A lot of times when people are thinking about domestic abuse, they’re thinking about bruises,” she said. “But there’s so many intangibles.

“So things like being gas lit all the time, there’s the emotional abuse, there’s financial abuse. So there’s a whole bunch of different types of abuse, and each one of the rooms actually talk about different types of violence, not just physical violence.”

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Allen said people couldn’t help but notice the house Thursday. While many will stop by out of curiosity, she said there are some who come to find help.

“We also have women who really have a hard time, for whatever reason, to come forward and it also kind of gives them a little bit of information as to where they might be able to go if they are wanting to leave an abusive situation.”

WIN House has been operating in Edmonton for more than 50 years. It currently operates three shelters for women and non-binary people, with or without children, who are fleeing violence.

The organization reports that it sheltered 398 people and took more than 2,500 crisis calls last year. With only 77 total spaces available, it said 78 per cent of those callers needing help were turned away due to a lack of capacity.

Allen said WIN House will be holding a fundraiser at the house on March 21, in the hopes of raising $25,000. Tickets start at $25 and they are available on the organization’s website.