This research incorporated qualitative arts-based research to determine
the perceptions of safety from nine female students attending the University of Northern
British Columbia. The participants were invited to attend a focus group discussion on
women’s safety. Based on that discussion, the women created art to showcase their
perceptions of safety. The art was displayed a month later, and the local community was
invited to view it and comment, sharing their thoughts and feedback.
Several common themes emerged, including how safety is expressed externally
and felt internally, what safe spaces look like, and the dangers that exist threatening
feelings of safety. The participants in this research stated that safety involves feeling
authentic and true to oneself, feeling calm and safe, living in a welcoming and
predictable environment, feeling accepted and respected, and being protected from
harm. The women's perceptions of safety in this research were gathered, and an
alternate definition of safety was created that encompassed their thoughts and beliefs.
This research showcased that while many themes connect women’s perceptions of
safety, ultimately, safety is uniquely experienced by each person.
