'Together we seek to end domestic violence'

CAMILLA'S MESSAGE OF HOPE AS SHE SEES PHOTO CAMPAIGN

- NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE

IN ST PETER'S Square, an 'army' of survivors defiantly stare, unafraid to meet the eyes of passersby.

They are only portraits, of course, but their presence is powerful and commands attention - from the city, and from the people in it.

It's these portraits, and the extraordinary people behind them, that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, came to visit at Manchester Central Library yesterday.

The portraits are part of the 'I Am' project, shot by acclaimed photographer Allie Crewe, which are set to be displayed in Metrolink stations across Greater Manchester throughout May. They feature people who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetimes, and who are speaking out to raise awareness of the impact of all different types of domestic abuse.

The duchess, who is a patron of domestic abuse Safe Lives, came to Manchester to address these participants and see the exhibition which she described as 'extraordinary and profoundly touching standing proudly in the heart of the city.