Denim & Purple for VPVA
Creating a public art intervention at Rutgers that represents young women as strong and empowered is a powerful initiative with multifaceted benefits. By showcasing images and messages that celebrate the strength and empowerment of young women, this intervention not only fosters a positive and inclusive campus environment but also catalyzes increased awareness and engagement with resources such as The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance.
Firstly, the visual representation of strong and empowered young women in public spaces sends a clear and affirming message to the entire Rutgers community. It challenges stereotypes and societal norms that may undermine the agency and resilience of young women, thereby promoting a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment. This visibility and representation can have a profound impact on the self-perception of young women, instilling confidence and a sense of belonging on campus.
Moreover, the incorporation of messaging related to The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance within the public art intervention is strategic in raising awareness and promoting access to critical resources. By integrating information about these resources into the artistic display, it becomes more than just a form of aesthetic expression; it becomes a platform for education and advocacy. Young women who may have previously been unaware of the services offered by the Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance are now more likely to seek support if needed, knowing that these resources are available and accessible.
Additionally, by highlighting coping strategies and pathways to reporting dating violence within the public art intervention, it provides tangible guidance to individuals who may find themselves in challenging situations. This proactive approach not only equips young women with the knowledge and tools to navigate difficult circumstances but also contributes to a culture of prevention and support. Furthermore, the public nature of the art intervention facilitates dialogue and community engagement around topics related to dating violence and empowerment. It creates opportunities for discussions, workshops, and events that further amplify the message of strength and empowerment while fostering a supportive network of peers and allies.
Overall, this public art intervention at Rutgers serves as a dynamic and transformative platform for promoting the representation, awareness, and empowerment of young women. By intertwining artistic expression with vital information and resources, it catalyzes positive social change and contributes to the creation of a campus environment where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
In terms of what makes young women at Rutgers vulnerable in regards to dating violence, factors such as societal stigma surrounding dating violence, fear of retaliation or judgment, contribute to escalated incidents of dating/domestic violence. The lack of awareness about available resources is also a factor of not seeking help when young women on campus need assistance. The issue of domestic/partner violence affects individuals across diverse demographics, but college women are particularly vulnerable. Statistics reveal alarming rates of intimate partner violence among college-aged women, at Rutgers alone, the 2022 crime statistics reveal 64 incidences of domestic violence occurred on-campus property (Rutgers University, 2022). This violence not only inflicts physical harm but also has profound psychological and emotional effects, hindering academic performance and overall well-being.
Referential Images:
Denim is associated with domestic violence awareness because of the “Denim Day” campaign, which originated in response to a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans, suggesting consent. Denim became a symbol of protest against victim-blaming. Purple is associated due to the Purple Ribbon campaign, which raises awareness about domestic violence and honors victims. The color purple is associated with domestic violence awareness because it symbolizes courage, survival, and dedication to ending domestic violence. It was chosen by the Domestic Violence Awareness Movement to raise awareness and show support for survivors.
Creative Intervention:
The art intervention I am proposing is a patch-work denim tapestry adorned with purple accents, created to support Rutgers Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance and raise awareness for intimate partner violence while empowering college women on the Rutgers campus. The tapestry is designed to be large and visually striking, with intricate patches of denim stitched together to form a cohesive whole. Each patch represents a different aspect of the struggle against intimate partner violence, incorporating imagery such as broken chains symbolizing freedom from abuse, hands reaching out for support, and empowering messages of strength and resilience.
Throughout the tapestry, purple accents are strategically woven in, symbolizing courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. These accents stand out against the denim backdrop, drawing attention to the importance of the cause and the need for support and awareness. The tapestry is intended to be displayed prominently on the Rutgers campus, serving as a visual reminder of the university’s commitment to ending intimate partner violence and supporting survivors. It is also designed to spark conversations and encourage dialogue about the issue, fostering a campus culture of empathy, support, and empowerment for all students, particularly women who may be affected by intimate partner violence.
Overall, this art intervention combines creativity, advocacy, and empowerment to make a powerful statement in support of ending intimate partner violence and promoting a safer, more supportive campus community at Rutgers University. In efforts to make this patchwork display permanent or have the ability to be moved, I would like to frame the project in a glass frame which will protect it from the elements. Having it in a frame will allow it to remain clean and untouched by the elements or vandalized by people passing by.
Location:
The artwork supporting awareness of intimate partner and sexual violence will be displayed in the College Avenue Student Center at Rutgers. This art intervention will serve as a poignant and impactful visual statement within a central hub of campus life. Situated in an area where college women frequently gather and where numerous social events occur, such as parties and gatherings, the artwork strategically reaches its target audience amidst heavy foot traffic.This carefully curated display is designed to capture the attention of passersby, drawing them into a space where they can engage with the artwork on a deeper level.
Through its presence in the College Avenue Student Center, the artwork creates a safe and inclusive environment for college women to reflect, learn, and connect with resources and support networks. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and educational opportunities, raising awareness about the realities of these forms of violence and challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, the strategic placement of the artwork in a high-traffic area amplifies its impact and visibility, ensuring that it reaches a diverse audience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. By fostering a culture of awareness, empathy, and empowerment, the artwork contributes to a campus community that is actively engaged in addressing and preventing intimate partner and sexual violence.
To ensure this project is a permanent art intervention project, I would frame the patchwork denim piece to protect it from the elements and people. The College Avenue Student Center has several blank walls within the building that could house this project, so I feel selecting the high-traffic study lounge, the Red Lion Cafe, would make a great home for this display. The Red Lion Cafe is frequented by young women as well as young men who will be able to view the project as they come to the study space.
Stakeholder(s):
The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance at Rutgers is a stakeholder in art interventions supporting awareness for intimate partner violence because they play a crucial role in advocating for survivors, providing support services, and promoting prevention efforts within the university community.
Audience:
The audience for this art intervention, a patch-work denim tapestry with purple accents created in support of Rutgers Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance, and to raise awareness for intimate partner violence and empower college women on the Rutgers campus, would primarily include young women on campus, the rutgers community, survivors and advocates. Particularly women attending Rutgers University who are the primary target demographic for awareness and empowerment regarding intimate partner violence. By seeing an art display that supports women and informs them of a safe space, they may be able to feel safe and more comfortable reporting issues related to intimate partner violence. Additionally, faculty, staff, and administrators at Rutgers University can support and engage with the initiative to create a safer and more supportive environment for students affected by intimate partner violence.
Also, the art display will support those who have experienced intimate partner violence may find the art intervention to be empowering and a symbol of solidarity and support. Individuals and organizations involved in promoting awareness and prevention of intimate partner violence, including local advocacy groups, counselors, and community leaders. By targeting these audiences, the art intervention aims to raise awareness, foster empowerment, and encourage dialogue surrounding the issue of intimate partner violence within the Rutgers community and beyond.
Discussions Around The Project:
I will be facilitating discussions by creating a safe and open environment for young women on campus to share their thoughts and experiences regarding domestic violence, while also providing guidance and resources for support and education. The art intervention will provide contact details for VPVA and how to address intimate partner violence instances on campus. Perhaps also having an area near the project with pamphlets from VPVA and their resources will also facilitate discussions about domestic violence prevention.
Public Engagement:
Art Installation: Create a public art installation on campus that visually represents different aspects of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its impact. Encourage students to interact with the installation by leaving messages, reflections, or pledges to support survivors.
Panel Discussion: Organizing a panel discussion featuring experts in the field of domestic violence prevention, survivors, and advocates. This can be an opportunity for students to learn about the complexities of IPV, prevention strategies, and available resources.
Workshops and Training Sessions: Offering workshops and training sessions focused on bystander intervention, healthy relationships, consent, and recognizing signs of abuse. These sessions can empower students with the knowledge and skills to intervene safely and support survivors.
Film Screenings and Discussions: VPVA could host screenings of documentaries or films related to intimate partner violence followed by facilitated discussions. This can be a powerful way to raise awareness, stimulate dialogue, and foster empathy among participants.
Social Media Campaign: Creating a hashtag for people to use and post photos alongside the art installation will attract traffic towards it and show that people on campus are engaging in the project and its message. The photos people can post will tag the VPVA accounts and will direct more people to discover what VPVA does on campus to help domestic violence awareness.
These engagement opportunities aim to promote dialogue, education, and community action around the important issue of intimate partner violence on Rutgers University campus.
Call to Action:
The call to action is to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and its impact, to encourage dialogue and reflection on the issue, and to promote support resources and strategies for prevention and intervention among the Rutgers University campus community. Young women on campus benefit from the call to action art project for Rutgers VPVA by raising awareness about violence prevention resources and support available to them. The art project can empower them to speak out against violence and seek help if needed. The change agent to activate/actualize the call to action could be the Rutgers University administration, student organizations, or community activists partnering with VPVA.
Next Steps:
In terms of next steps and moving forward with this art intervention, I have contacted the Administrative Assistant, Bonnie Eisenberg, of VPVA about the specifics of their current programming as well as what they believe they can do more of to spread their message across Rutgers campus. As for research, I am not only awaiting Ms. Eisenberg’s response, but also looking at other student organizations on campus as well as conducting research about similar size colleges. By seeing how similar BIG-10 schools have addressed intimate partner violence for young college women, perhaps I can propose a different methodology to VPVA and implement a change to their programming.
