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Coercive control exhibition could 'save lives'

Northampton College Gemma Briggs stands next to her work.Northampton College
Gemma Briggs says she hopes students will be given a "unique" way to understand the issue through the exhibition

An exhibition highlighting how coercive behaviour in couples' relationships has the potential to "save lives", a college has said.

Photographs by Gemma Briggs are on display at Northampton College in partnership with West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership and Safer Northants.

The photographs aim to show methods used by domestic violence perpetrators and the effect on victims.

Northampton College said the exhibition was part of its commitment to educate students and promote healthy relationships.

Gemma Briggs The middle portion of a woman standing up wearing trousers and a shirt. Her right hand appears to be holding another person's hand in front of her crotch, although the other person is hidden behind some patterned material. Gemma Briggs
Gemma Briggs said the project wants to highlight the "tools an techniques" of domestic abuse such as "lovebombing, gaslighting, isolation, monitoring and financial control"

Steph Lee-Vae, curriculum manager for art and design at Northampton College, said: "Real change happens when we take decisive action. This exhibition has the potential to save lives, challenge perceptions, and drive meaningful social change.

"It demonstrates our commitment to using our platforms and spaces to advocate for the wellbeing of our community.

"Gemma's work gives a voice to many who have previously gone unheard and I'd like to thank her and all those who have enabled this partnership, providing invaluable support throughout."

Gemma Briggs A series of handwritten notes stuck in the pages of two small lined notebooks. For example, one says "Dont stay quite seek help" and another says "I think that this really helpful in seeing how normal domestic abuse is".Gemma Briggs
People viewing Gemma Briggs' images have been able to leave their reactions on notes

Briggs said she hoped it would give students a "unique" way to understand the signs and impact of coercive control.

"I am grateful to Northampton College for supporting my work and I'm inspired by their commitment to the wellbeing of young people across the county," she said.

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
Some of the images show mundane domestic settings

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