SHELDON, Iowa (KTIV)- The Iowa Voices Project on Domestic Violence is meant to show the horror of women who have been domestically abused. Photographer Katie Thompson took on the job of telling these women's stories, including her own.
"I'm back on my feet again, so I called the state coalition, and said 'What can I do to help?" said Katie Thompson, Photographer and Abuse Survivor.
Since she was abused in the past, Thompson, with the Iowa Coalition of Domestic Violence on board, tells the survival stories of 31 women, herself included.
"It's a little bit uncomfortable, but we're doing it to encourage other women to speak up," said Thompson.

Women and men alike walked through the exhibit at Northwest Iowa Community College, Wednesday, seeing the faces of former abuse victims. Here's the scary part. It can happen to anyone.
"It's every woman of every class, it's not about what kind of education she has, it's highly educated people, it's people with no education, it's everyone in between," said Donna Durham, a member of the Family Crisis Center of Northwest Iowa.
Still, most of the photos display smiling faces, faces that have been through pain, but have found happiness. Through these faces, Thompson can cope with her own pain.
"Everytime I look at someone now, I think 'What is their story?' and 'What have they not told anyone, What do they have locked inside them and are afraid to share?" said Thompson.
Through her experience, she has found relief in looking forward.