Exhibition exploring hidden violence against women opens in Fife

A photography exhibition in Fife explores forms of violence against women that are still misunderstood, hidden and not acknowledged by mainstream society.

Supported by Fife Council and the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership, Violence Unseen is currently at Rosyth Library and moves to the Lochgelly Centre on April 16 before being stationed in Kirkcaldy Town House from April 30 to May 10.

Some of the content in the exhibition deals with sexual violence, abuse and exploitation, which some people might find upsetting, but organisers hope as many as possible will take the time to look at the issues affecting modern women.

The images have been captured by award-winning photographer Alicia Bruce.

Sheila Noble, co-ordinator of the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership, said: “Over the past decades there have been dramatic changes to public attitudes around some aspects of men’s violence against women.

“However, domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence against women are still prevalent in Scotland today, especially for groups of women who face other forms of discrimination – women with learning disabilities, women who sell sex, lesbian, bisexual and trans, and black and minority ethnic women.

“The partnership is working with the Zero Tolerance charity who have created Violence Unseen, with award-winning photographer Alicia Bruce.

“Working with groups and individuals affected by men’s violence they have created photographs that explore the types of violence against women that remain unseen and unacknowledged by mainstream society.

“The photographs shine a light on the types of violence against women that still remain unacceptably hidden and better represent the constellation of women’s lived experiences.

“We would encourage as many Fifers as possible to take the opportunity to see this important exhibition which is free and open to the public from the April 1 to May 10 across Fife.”

Rachel Adamson, director of Zero Tolerance, added: “We are pleased to be working with the council and the Violence Against Women Partnership in Fife.

“We hope the exhibition will raise awareness of these issues and encourage people to think about what they can do to tackle violence against women.”