Bolton at Home have teamed up with local women’s charities to host a community art project raising awareness of domestic abuse.

The window of a former jewellery shop in Crompton Place has been transformed into a gallery of handmade art.

More than 100 women from community groups across the borough have created a variety of pieces to display.

The exhibit includes embroidery with messages like “Women’s rights are human rights”, “You are loved & precious”, and “I am a survivor not a victim”.

Items of clothing worn during sexual assaults were also on display.

Karen Allsop from Bolton at Home said: “Unfortunately gender violence is still a worrying part of everyday life for too many women.

"Domestic violence still happens on our doorstep in Bolton on a frequent basis.

“Eliminating gender violence such as domestic abuse or rape requires the whole community to come together and reject it.

“By setting out the art exhibition in Crompton Place we are starting a conversation that will hopefully lead to more people being aware of the dangers that some women still face daily.”

Bolton at Home is working with charities like Endeavour, Fortalice, and Yes Matters – local charities that help women and children who have suffered domestic violence or sex-based oppression.

The exhibition is Bolton’s response to the international “16 days against gender-based violence” campaign, organised by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership.

The campaign started in November and aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence against women as a human rights issue whilst also demonstrating solidarity with oppressed and abused women.

Last month, the Bolton News reported that more than 46,000 domestic abuse-related crimes were reported in Greater Manchester between April 2018 and March this year.

The rate of domestic abuse has increased each year since 2015/16.

Speaking to the Bolton News last month, Chief Inspector Steph Parker, who leads on tackling domestic abuse in Bolton for Greater Manchester Police, said: “We have seen an increase in the number of reported domestic abuse incidents over the past four years.

“However, we understand that this is largely due to more people having the strength to coming forward to report these crimes.”

The exhibit is open for viewing every day during shopping centre opening hours and will be in place until January 6.

Visit boltonathome.org.uk/domestic-abuse if you need support.