Artist's photos at IHCC feature domestic violence survivors and their stories

OTTUMWA - Former journalist and photographer Katie Thompson has focused her talents on an important goal.

As a domestic violence survivor herself, she had dedicated her time and talents to educating individuals on the pain that domestic abuse can cause.
She now travels around the state with her photography exhibition, educating people on domestic violence. In her exhibit, she displays 2-by-3 foot pictures of domestic violence survivors and their personal stories.

"I was a domestic violence survivor myself," Thompson said.

After she escaped her abusive relationship, she felt she wanted to tell her story and help other women tell their stories. Along with the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, she has managed to put together this exhibit, which illustrates different chapters from her book "31," which will be out next October.

"Since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I wanted to do something to help educate people on this," Thompson said.
"Each photo and story introduces you to a survivor right here in Iowa. These women in these photographs are from all over the state. They have all come together to tell their stories in the hopes that it will help other people who may be suffering from the same thing."

Thompson said this is just the beginning for her. Her book, in conjunction with the exhibit, looks into the lives and stories of 31 women and how they struggled with domestic violence and overcame the abuse.

Thompson began interviewing the women more than a year ago. She said most of these women have two reasons why they want to tell their stories.

"One reason is because it makes them feel better to be able to talk about what they went through ... when they are in a violent relationship they are not able to talk," she said. "The second reason is that they want to help someone else by sharing their stories.
"I think we have had a really good response. I think people look at the photos or read the stories and they can see themselves or their neighbors and they can relate to some of the things."

The exhibit was set up across from the library in the main building at Indian Hills Community College Thursday.
"I think this sends out an important message," Thompson said. "It shows that people do not have to continue to be victims of domestic violence and they can rise out of it.

"I had excellent counseling and found out what I could do to help and now this is my goal," she said.

Cheryl Brown, executive director of the Ottumwa Crisis Center and Women's Shelter, said this exhibit shows that survivors of domestic violence are "everyday women."

She believes this is a great way to educate people on the issue and bring domestic violence awareness out of the closet.

Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.