Art Against Domestic Violence

Students from Bolton are supporting an ongoing campaign to cut domestic violence in St.Helens.

The talented graphic designers offered to produce free campaign materials for St.Helens Council, housing association Riverside and Helena Partnerships as part of their coursework at the University of Bolton.

Their work will be featured in an exhibition at the Mash Art Café, in Haydock Street, St.Helens, from 19 to 28 January.

The winning concepts where announced at the opening night and will feature in campaign material throughout the rest of the year.

Designed by Emma Benyon and Sarah Joyce, the winning concepts feature slogans relatable to young people, such as

'he calls me a whore if i'm late from work'

'she checks my texts before I do'

The designs submitted by the students were so good, that another set was chosen to appeal to the older victims - created by Daniel Leonard Adam Schofield and Kyle Oakes - featuring bruised fruit with slogans such as,

'Are you the apple of his eye - or is your relationship showing signs of damage?'

Mash Art Café Manager Kevin Hood said: "The exhibition aims to raise awareness of violence against women - challenging young people in particular to recognise abusive behaviour and exploring different ways of encouraging victims to seek support.

"We're delighted that we're able to showcase a collection of such moving and imaginative imagery - which will then play a key role in the Safer St.Helens domestic violence campaign."

St.Helens Council's Cabinet Member for Family Intervention and Safer Communities Councillor Sue Murphy said: "The involvement of the Bolton students adds an important extra dimension to the campaign - with young people creating messages and images that resonate with their peers and hopefully lead to more people coming forward to seek help."

Sharon MacKenzie, Service Manager for Vulnerable People at Helena Extra, said: "Raising awareness is a key element of tackling domestic violence, but young people can sometimes be hard to reach.

"We hope the work of the Bolton students will really speak out to their peers as well as the wider community."

Tanya Marsh, Neighbourhood Housing Officer from Riverside, said: "We are more than just a housing provider. We provide support to those who need a helping hand, offering opportunities to the most vulnerable.

"Not only are we campaigning to raise awareness of how to spot domestic violence and how to seek help but we are also providing students with valuable real life work experience which should help them in the job market when they graduate."

Need help? Call Helena Extra's 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 01925 220541.

For help or advice contact the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate on 01744 743 200.

Image captions: Students showcase their designs at Mash Art Cafe.