104 PAIRS OF SHOES EXHIBITION

2 WOMEN ARE KILLED EACH WEEK BY A PARTNER OR FORMER PARTNER
– Homicide Statistics 1998

The 104 Pairs of Shoes Exhibition is an exhibition highlighting the issues of violence against women. It takes as its starting point the statistic that 2 women are killed each week by a partner or ex partner (104 women in a year). We invited prominent Scottish women to donate a pair of their shoes to our exhibition and to write a statement on why they feel it is important to support such a campaign. The result is a very moving and thought provoking exhibition. Launched in November 2002 this exhibition ran during the 16 days of activism against gender violence. The exhibition has been touring Scotland since January 2003 and has attracted huge amounts of media coverage nationally and locally at each venue it has visited.

There are some key points the exhibition highlights: As you walk around the exhibition you walk in the footsteps of the women who have died this year. The shoes come from women from all walks of life, just as domestic violence affects all women no matter their life style or background. Our shoes represent women from all areas of Scottish society - politicians, celebrities, writers, singers, actors, business women, sports personalities, ordinary women.

The 104 Pairs of Shoes Exhibition has been on display in over 50 venues and had over 10,000 visitors. We work closely with local authority community safety partnerships, domestic abuse forum, and local women's aid in each of the areas we exhibit. These partnerships have allowed us access to areas all over Scotland , both urban and rural. It has travelled the length of the country from the Borders to Orkney Islands, and in the summer of 2004 extensively toured some of the remotest areas of the Highlands and Islands . It has supported conferences and launches, been on display in village halls, community centres and hospitals.

For further details and information on how to book the exhibition please contact Joan Bree.

QUOTES FROM THE EXHIBITION

“I love these shoes, but they’re agony and anything that causes that much pain and suffering should be dumped!!” – Elaine C. Smith, Entertainer

They drew blood every time I wore them. I figured since I’d picked them, I probably deserved it or they’d “settle down” eventually. They didn’t. – Janice Galloway, Writer

No person should suffer physical or emotional violence. Everyone should know you can leave, you can survive and there is help to be sought. Violence is not love. Despite what anyone says. - Daniela Nardini, Actor

Domestic violence has no place in a civilised society. I wore them at the opening of the Scottish Parliament. They remind me of the hope and optimism of that day. - Susan Deacon, MSP

I wore these shoes to the premiere of the first Harry Potter film. I love them dearly but they can do more good supporting hundreds of women rather than one nervous, wobbling writer. - J.K. Rowling, Author

My beautiful aunt died at the hands of her violent partner. Rene, these little shoes are the sort of frivolous footwear you never had the luck to wear. They are for you. Rest in peace. - Jackie McGlone, Journalist

COMMENTS FROM THE EXHIBITION

EDINBURGH

“The variety of types of shoes here is diverse – paralleling the way that women of all walks of life are affected by domestic abuse”

“Made me laugh and made me cry but also made me think. A wonderful exhibition to draw attention to a dreadful epidemic”

“This exhibition is a really imaginative and effective way of raising awareness of such an important issue. It is shocking that so many women suffer at the hands of their partners”

“A very powerful exhibition – extremely moving. It makes me very thoughtful that my own experiences with men, although appalling, have been survivable. There but for the grace of God go I and my children. Real messages like this are needed”

ELGIN

“An excellent way to emphasise that everyone should be able to walk in freedom and peace”

“Excellent. Very moving, hard-hitting – it’s amazing to see the statistics, now I appreciate how lucky I am”

“Such a thought-provoking exhibition – so good that it is in Elgin – great work those who made it happen. Would like to see a follow-up … Very thought provoking”

GLASGOW

“Very moving – we are two people who have walked in shoes like these but now we are free”

“Extremely moving, didn’t think shoes would make me cry”

“Great idea, great exhibition – I feel fortunate to be here, to see it and to walk away and get on with my life”