I hope to save someone by speaking out

WOMAN WHO SUFFERED ABUSE IS NOW FACE OF PHOTO CAMPAIGN

- NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

"I HATE the word victim. And I don't even like the word survivor. I'm not a mere survivor - I'm an agent of change."

Amira Taha speaks calmly but fiercely, with the energy and poise of a woman who has not only come through great pain but through it has found an understanding of herself far beyond her past. She is gentle and emphasises kindness, but equally quietly steely.

And these are all qualities that you can see in her portrait, taken by celebrated photographer Allie Crewe, as part of her project 'I Am, which shines a light on those who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetimes.

Amira is an accomplished professional, working both as a welfare rights officer at Salford council and as an International Development Consultant.

She was born and raised in Egypt, but left to do her graduate studies in the UK, worked internationally, and returned once again to Britain, where she has lived ever since.

She has also experienced IPV through emotional and mental abuse at the hands of a previous partner.