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Exhibition puts spotlight on coercive behaviour

Harriet Heywood
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Gemma Briggs Black and white polaroid style headshot of Gemma Briggs. She is using a camera to take a photo of herself in a mirror. She has light hair, glasses and wears a white blouse. Gemma Briggs
Speaking about the exhibition, Gemma Briggs said: "I hope that it will provide vital information to help people receive the support they need"

The experiences of domestic abuse survivors have informed an exhibition about coercive and controlling behaviour.

Photographer Gemma Briggs created a series of images showing ordinary domestic settings as crime scenes.

Ms Briggs said: "The aim of these photographs is to show evidence of some of the methods used by perpetrators and explore the effects that they have on victims."

The exhibition will be open to the public at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery from 1 to 28 March.

Gemma Briggs An exhibit image shows the legs of a person sat on a couch. The photo is dark and grainy. The person wears jeans and nike trainers. Gemma Briggs
Images, like the above, feature in the exhibition to help raise awareness of the criminal offence of coercive or controlling behaviour

The exhibition, shown in partnership with the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership, will highlight the "subtle and hidden crime of coercive or controlling behaviour".

It aims to raise awareness and help people identify warning signs in their own relationships or those of others.

Ms Briggs said: "Coercive or controlling behaviour is a widespread and extremely damaging form of abuse. It is also very often hidden.

"It [the exhibit] is informed by interviews with victims and research carried out over two years."

Gemma Briggs Close up of a vase with a rose, red flower and green leaves. It sits on a white windowsill next to a closed window.Gemma Briggs
Information from local support services including Northamptonshire Rape Crisis, EVE, and Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, will be available at the exhibition, as well as the featured photographs

David Smith, cabinet member for planning and communities at West Northamptonshire Council, said it was a "powerful and necessary" exploration of a form of domestic abuse that often went unnoticed.

"By bringing these experiences to light, we hope to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and ensure that those affected know that support is available," he said.

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