Stand Up

According to the Bravehearts Foundation, 15-19 year old females are the highest victimised group for sexual assault and 1 in 4 females are sexually abused before the age of 18. Many of these incidents go unreported with an approximate 25% reporting rate, according to the Queensland Sexual Assault Network. Sexual assault is a major issue in society, in particular for 15-19 year old females, which highlights the need for well-designed and considered spaces to provide the support and resources that sexual assault victims require. Although the use of interior design cannot remove the issue of sexual assault, it can be used to create safe environments for victims of sexual assault and provide the help and support they urgently need.

All colours have underlying colour patterns which are universally understood and can influence peoples’ mood, behaviour, physical and mental wellbeing. Research has shown that the colours orange, blue and green are associated with the moods and feelings shown in the image below. The positive effects that these colours have on people’s mood and behaviour are why they were incorporated into the design to help improve the human experience within these interior environments.

The below principles were founded through research and exemplars of existing domestic violence facilities. These principles were the guiding elements for the design of Stand Up.