Art is such a powerful tool - I hope you’ll join me in supporting the amazing work this organization is doing.  As it celebrates its 20th year of service, Windows faces the strongest demand for those services in its history.  With its programs already reaching over 60,000 participants at 175 domestic violence agencies throughout Los Angeles and in 25 states, Windows must meet the growing demand by reaching more domestic violence and sexual assault agencies and training more program leaders.

-kris

Domestic violence is a strikingly widespread national problem.  It knows no boundaries: it affects all races, religions and economic levels.  The statistics are shocking, and unfortunately keep getting worse.  On a typical day in the U.S., 3 women will be murdered by their intimate partners. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and approximately one in five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Each day, 70,000 victims will receive services from domestic violence programs, while another 10,000 will be turned away for lack of resources. And sadly, the majority of cases of domestic violence are not even reported to the police.

Windows’ art programs provide demonstrated relief from the debilitating effects of domestic violence, and contribute to ending the vicious cycle just described. For example, a Windows Program leader told me that a 5-year-old girl who had experienced domestic violence, began cutting herself to deal with her anxiety and emotional issues. After her participation in the Windows art program, she stopped cutting herself, and began to express her feelings verbally!

Results of this type are constant and consistent. In 2010, 98% of the women participating in Windows art workshops reported that the workshops:

·      Enabled them to express thoughts and feelings more easily

·      Resulted in their feeling more positive about themselves and their futures

·      Helped them find courage to make healthy decisions for the future.

In addition Windows’ 2010 children’s art workshop leaders’ reports show that:

·      96% of the workshops were effective in providing the children a feeling of freedom from judgment and ridicule.

·      97% of the workshops succeeded in giving the children a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

·      93% of the workshops were effective in helping the children to build their self-confidence.

Windows’ is proud that 87% of its annual funds go directly to program services.

For 20 years they have brought healing and empowerment to survivors in the wake of domestic violence as they work to rebuild their lives.  By sharing our message with friends, you’ll help us change the lives of tens of thousands of women and children who will see hope and the promise of a violence-free future. 

I’d also love to invite those in Los Angeles to see the program directly!  The “Pearls of Wisdom: End the Violence” exhibit is a 2-year community engagement project that was created by artist Kim Abeles in collaboration with Windows and 800 survivors of domestic abuse and community supporters to forge courage and build momentum to end domestic violence.

The exhibit is currently at the Skirball Cultural Center and runs until Feb 26, 2012.  I hope you get a chance to visit it, as it’s truly an amazing exhibit.  More details can be found here: http://awbw.org/awbw/exhibit.php?id=31.