October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Quincy-based artist and activist Kathleen Bitetti is honoring it with a multi-site art project in Greater Lawrence. The project, " Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? " , grew out of a residency at the Essex Art Center in Lawrence, where Bitetti is the artist in residence through December. Interest in the project by advocates for victims of domestic violence — such as the Women’s Resource Center, Jane Doe, Gloucester Men Against Domestic Violence, and many others — prompted the project’s expansion to five additional towns. Locations throughout Greater Lawrence, including galleries, state-park bathrooms, libraries, and campuses, will host Bitetti’s work. In addition, the Merrimack Valley Hospital, the Governor’s Commission on Domestic Violence, and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women are sponsoring educational and outreach programs, including public panel discussions titled " Public Art as a Catalyst for Social Change " and " Domestic Violence: Prevention through Knowledge. " The events will occur in conjunction with the art project. The Phoenix recently spoke with Bitetti.

Q: Where did the name of the show come from?

A: For the last 10 years, I’ve wanted to make a house made entirely of restraining orders, and I’m in the process of making it right now. The title of the project comes from the name of the paper house because the Big Bad Wolf can get anybody. So often, domestic violence gets categorized as a woman’s problem. And it’s not. It affects everyone. There’s a perception, too, that abuse is a class issue, and again, it’s not. People need to understand that domestic violence knows no boundaries and happens everywhere — in every social class, in every community.

Q: How do you see this project effecting change in domestic-violence awareness?

A: My artwork in general has always dealt with social issues. That this [project] is done in a public space within an educational framework will enable it to reach people. There are built-in audiences where we’re placing the art, and I think just having the work there will impact folks. We’re also hoping to do a CD-ROM as an educational component with my artwork for people to teach with, do presentations with. It’s not just about the art. My background is in public policy, and what we’re noticing is that there’s nothing to help teens [with] how to survive in a household where there’s domestic abuse. So Jane Doe is doing a whole teen summit up here. Because we need something for these kids. This will affect public policy.

Q: How did you become interested in issues of domestic-violence awareness?

A: I grew up in Quincy, and one of my best friends was battered when we were teens. I know how the system works, trying to get restraining orders, waiting with a bat for someone trying to get her. I have not directly experienced this, mind you, but I’ve seen it, and I know what it’s about. People don’t understand that once you’re involved with a person of that caliber, even when you get away, for the rest of your life you have to worry about them coming after you. Every day. I think that people don’t get the timeline. It doesn’t just go away when people get away.

" Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? " can be seen through October at the Essex Art Center, Lawrence Heritage State Park, Northern Essex Community College, Merrimack College, the Addison Gallery at Phillips Academy, and Nevins Memorial Library. Visit www.essexartcenter.com for a complete schedule. All sites and events are free. In Boston, Oni Gallery displays " Mapping Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf, " an exposition of the project unfolding in time, September 28 through October 20. A reception takes place this Saturday, September 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. Suggested donation is $5. Call (617) 542-6983.