Stop Domestic Violence National Campaign

We have another exciting national campaign in the pipeline! Following discussions with West Mercia Police, it was brought to our attention that all constables had been given an upgraded pair of handcuffs due to a mass renewal of police equipment. Knowing that we are huge advocates of recycling, West Mercia Police suggested donating all of their old handcuffs to make a new sculpture of national significance.

They put forward the idea of using the old handcuffs to create a new anti-domestic violence sculpture. We were blown away by the brilliant idea and felt this resonated with some of our other anti-violence sculptures like the Knife Angel and Manchester Bee. It’s hoped that West Mercia Police will be donating 2,500 pairs of handcuffs to help us kick-start the project. 

Domestic violence in the UK has become a serious national concern. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime and many of these cases are not brought to our attention until the situation has become life-threatening. It is also estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crimes are reported to the police. 

The escalation of domestic violence in homes across the UK has an enormous impact on our national resources and as a result, puts an immense amount of pressure on not only the police force but also medical institutions, call centres, prisons and the wider judicial system across the country. 

We will be reaching out to all of the remaining 42 British constabularies across the UK in the hope that they will also contribute to the project and add to the generous donation from West Mercia Police. We have already spoken to Greater Manchester who are on board with the moving campaign. 

Like our other national anti-violence monuments, it’s hoped that this sculpture will tour the UK to campaign the critical need for social change and we believe it will help educate and raise national awareness around anti-violence and aggression. And, as with all the Ironworks’ anti-violence initiatives, this campaign will incur NO cost to the cities/locations wanting to take part in the tour.