On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.*

A Window Between Worlds was founded in 1991 to foster the use of art in making a positive difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence. We continue to deepen our work with domestic violence agencies, acknowledging that domestic violence is often related to and overlapping with other forms of trauma.

Workshop participants have repeatedly shared the difference creating art has had in their lives. One woman wrote, “Thank you for giving us the chance to have a safe place to express ourselves. I am no longer alone in the shadows.” Another participant said, “I truly connected with the art material. It reminded me of who I am and who I used to be before the abuse. In this moment, without a doubt, I know I am strong and a survivor.”

Agencies we partner with often find Windows workshops to be among their most effective tools for helping domestic violence survivors move towards violence-free lives. As one shelter director told us, “AWBW supports the internal healing process more than any other resource. Because art is a non-verbal means of expression it bypasses cognitive barriers and enables women and children to make emotional breakthroughs that wouldn’t be possible without the AWBW art curriculum.”

If you work with adults, youth or children impacted by domestic violence, and are interested in using the AWBW arts program with your clients, visit our Facilitator Trainings page for more info.

*National Coalition Against Domestic Violence