GlassWalls: Shining a Light on Domestic Abuse

  • The first panel depicts the early response to domestic abuse in Scotland but also conveys the emotional cost of reporting.
    The first panel depicts the early response to domestic abuse in Scotland but also conveys the emotional cost of reporting.
  • The second panel depicts the advent of the Scottish Parliament and the growth of multi-agency support
    The second panel depicts the advent of the Scottish Parliament and the growth of multi-agency support
  • The third panel represents hope for the future: the promise of the Domestic Abuse law and a court response that listens to women and children
    The third panel represents hope for the future: the promise of the Domestic Abuse law and a court response that listens to women and children

Welcome to GlassWalls, a collaborative community project, aiming to raise awareness of domestic abuse through beautiful art and inspirational women.

The hummingbird beats her wings 12 times in every second.  She is hard-working, energetic and vital.  The constant activity of the hummingbird evokes Emily Dickinson’s description of hope as “a thing which perches in the soul and sings a song without the words and never stops at all.”

Stained-glass art has a strong narrative history.  Traditionally used in church windows, it told stories at a time when few people could read or write.  It is used here to tell a story which has not yet been properly heard.  The symbolism of shining light on a topic which remains in the shadows makes glass a powerful medium to tell this story.

The stained glass hummingbird logo represents the beauty, resilience and hope of the women who have survived domestic abuse and are involved in this project.

Delve into these pages to learn more about the project and the people behind it and please follow our progress on Twitter: @GlassWalls3 or join the conversation #beyondglasswalls

Please check out our visit to the Scottish Parliament and other news in What’s New!

Can you help us? We are still fund raising so that the art classes can continue after Covid restrictions are lifted and so that we can take the installation to different venues. Our goal is to secure a permanent home for the exhibition. Please support us on Crowdfunder Thanks!