FOREST CITY, IA - A new book is giving a voice and a face to domestic abuse survivors.  Katie Thompson is the author and photographer of a new book called The Iowa Voices Project.  She's also a survivor herself.  Thompson interviewed more than thirty women impacted by domestic violence.  Each shared their story of abuse and posed for a portrait.

Tuesday afternoon people at Waldorf College got a chance to experience their portraits and stories.  Thompson said her goal is to end the silence surrounding domestic abuse.

"We were afraid to tell people, we were ashamed to tell people.  And so it's great to hear people now coming up and talking about it.  That's what we want," Thompson explained.

She told KIMT News 3 it was a difficult process for women who are still in hiding from their abuser.  Thompson had to ensure their photo wouldn't give away their location.  But she said talking about their abuse actually helps them heal.

"One comment I heard over and over from the women as I was interviewing them was, 'If telling my story can help one woman, that will make everything worthwhile'," she added.

Thompson said she came up with the idea for the book as a way to help others.  The profits from "The Iowa Voices Project" are going to the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  To see shorter versions of the stories and find out how you can see Thompson's exhibit, click here.