Women who have experienced domestic violence will be staging a stark photographic exhibition reflecting the trauma of their former lives. The 'Behind Closed Doors' exhibition will feature striking photographs as well as a number of exhibits, such as a burnt wedding dress and an iron enclosed in a birdcage, which graphically highlight issues such as suicide and honour killings.

The group of women from Barnardo's Phoenix Project in Bolton - a community development initiative supporting local Asian women and children through their experiences of domestic violence - will be launching the exhibition at the Reebok Stadium on Monday, 24 November 2003. The exhibition will then move to the UCAN Centre in Bolton, where it can be viewed by appointment until Wednesday, 3rd December. Those wanting to visit can ring 01204 848966.

Barnardo's, is the UK's largest children's charity, committed to supporting 100,000 children a year by addressing some of today's most urgent issues such as abuse, poverty, discrimination and disability. With over 300 projects designed to help underprivileged children and their families, Barnardo's objective is to guide children to their full potential and develop them into well-rounded adults.

One of the exhibitors, Mariam (not her real name) said: "Taking part in the photography project helped me learn new skills. I learnt how to use a camera, about digital photography, as well as photographic techniques, like lighting. The photography has helped me develop my confidence and I now know that I have the ability to do things for myself. I hope that we can use the exhibition to make sure that what has happened to me doesn't happen to anyone else. Hopefully, it will make abusive men think about what they are doing."

The exhibition is the culmination of a series of photography workshops undertaken by the women - organised by the Phoenix Project, in partnership with photographic artist Poulomi Desai, to develop skills and help them discuss their experience of domestic violence.

Barnardo's Phoenix Project service manager Bhaggie Patel said: "About 25 women took part in the photography workshops over an 18-month period. The workshops were very successful and the images the women produced were so powerful, it was decided to incorporate them into an exhibition."

Top