‘In Silence’ is about significant issues that are worth talking about, but often remain unspoken.
The project is aimed at shining light on Coercive Control, an insidious form of domestic violence, rooted in power and control. The perpetuator creates a world of fear gaining control of their victims through assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation, frightening survivors into submission.
By raising awareness of the appalling nature of Coercive Control, hopefully, greater recognition will be given to the impossible circumstances that so many find themselves in, through no fault of their own. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone. Statistics suggest that it takes, on average, 35 incidents before a victim will come forward and report to Police. Yet, in the last year ending March 2023, only 4% of domestic abuse cases recorded by police resulted in the perpetuator being convicted. This falls to 2% when considering figures from incident to conviction collected from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, police recorded crimes, and other organisations.
The project is not aimed at finding a solution to why so few cases get to court, but stresses that the evidence required is exceptionally hard to gather and prove, and too many people are living through this horrendous ordeal unseen and unheard.
The project has been presented as an exhibition which took place on the 12th of March at the Upper Gulbenkian gallery, RCA Kensington campus.
