Soles of Survivors is an  art exhibit I created, stationed in the Women’s Center, to bring domestic violence awareness to campus.

The exhibit is based on nine anonymous stories of domestic violence. Victims provided a pair of their shoes to the exhibit to illustrate what they went through. I interviewed several women from multiple communities over a span of weeks, collected shoes to symbolize their success and established the exhibit on campus.

The purpose of the exhibit is to empower others with stories of survival and hopefully encourage individuals to become more aware of domestic violence. Another goal is to inspire a potential victim who views this exhibit to seek help to end his or her abusive relationship.

The shoes, paired with the stories, symbolize the visible power of women to walk away from abusers and stand again on their own feet. They also symbolize that victims are from all walks of life.

As a survivor of domestic violence, I feel it is necessary to bring more awareness to the abuse. It is necessary for communities across the state and nation to lend a helping hand and listening ear to help staunch this crime.

“Soles of Survivors” is set up in the Women’s Center throughout October, and is free of charge and open to the public. Pamphlets and informational cards for various domestic violence shelters, such as Safeplace and One Place of the Shoals, are presented next to the exhibit.