In Silence
"In Silence" is an exhibition addressing significant yet often unspoken issues. The project highlights Coercive Control, a subtle form of domestic violence rooted in power and control. Perpetrators use assault, threats, and intimidation to create a world of fear, forcing survivors into submission.
By raising awareness of Coercive Control, the exhibition aims to draw attention to the severe circumstances many face through no fault of their own. Domestic violence and abuse can affect anyone.
Statistics show that, on average, it takes 35 incidents for a victim to report to the police. Yet, in the year ending March 2023, only 4% of recorded domestic abuse cases resulted in conviction, with this figure dropping to 2% when considering the entire process from incident to conviction.
The project does not seek to solve why so few cases reach court but emphasizes the difficulty in gathering and proving evidence. Too many individuals endure this ordeal in silence and remain unseen.
In this artwork, a lone figure is trapped in a box, representing the suffocating control of a coercive relationship. The artist conveys emotional confinement using darkness and shadows, creating a sense of isolation. Another hand subtly holding the figure hints at external influence, illustrating the dynamics of coercive control. The box's rigid lines mirror the constraints of the controlling relationship, and the figure's position shows a mix of desperation and resilience. It invites viewers to reflect on the challenges of escaping such emotional confinement.
