Some new art in the heart of downtown Vancouver carries a powerful message.
The YWCA Metro Vancouver has unveiled a mural that reminds passersby about intimate partner violence in Canada. It was created by Ola Volo, a Canadian mural artist and illustrator from Kazakhstan.
The piece, located at The Hyatt Regency next to Burrard SkyTrain station, is also interactive - hidden within the artwork are five phone-activated statistics that give anyone who takes a photo of the mural the chance to learn more and donate.
The YWCA hopes the mural will raise awareness and encourage donations to help build new housing to serve women who have experienced violence.
Recent statistics reveal over 30,000 women and children in B.C. are impacted by domestic violence each year. In addition, the pandemic has contributed to a 20-30% rise in gender-based violence and abuse across the country.
