The pandemic has made current social tensions even more extreme. Some of the most urgent examples of that were the situations of domestic violence. In the UK, The National Domestic Abuse Helpline have reported an increase of around 66% in calls and contacts during the pandemic period.  

 

Amongst the series of complex mechanisms that aggressors use to keep victims under control, isolation is one of the most common and this was aggravated during the pandemic. Survivors saw themselves having to spend more time with abusers, possible safety routes were closed down and contacting specialists, family or friends became harder.

 

Thinking specifically about the realities of urban centers its essential to investigate how our cities and built environments are playing a role in the exclusion, isolation and violence against women. In this context, the research question that initiated this project was “How can reclaiming public spaces by and for women help to tackle domestic abuse?” 

 

Aiming to address these issues, Healing Streets will be a series of interventions in public spaces to show all women they are not alone or isolated in their homes. It intends to encourage gatherings and connection amongst locals and inspire those in need to ask for help. 

 

The narrative is based on the idea that qualities experienced in public spaces (e.g. rest, freedom, openness, dialogue) should also be experienced in the domestic environment, comparing the two spheres, while problematizing abusive domestic experiences. The project is located in Cumberland Market, a public park in Camden, London.