KEOKUK, IA (2008-10-10) The woman behind a powerful domestic violence awareness program says it was something she had to be a part of.

Author and photographer Katie Thompson traveled the state, last year, speaking with women who survived domestic violence.

The result, the Iowa Voices Project, is a compilation of photographs of the women and the stories they told Thompson.

She says the women involved wanted to share their stories, some of which they had never even told their friends or families, to try to help even one woman survive.

Thompson says it was tough because she too is a survivor of domestic violence and the discussions brought back some painful, yet powerful, memories.

Thompson is one of the 31 women featured in the Iowa Voices Project.

You can hear more with Katie Thompson by clicking the audio link.

*Additional Information*
- A traveling display of the Iowa Voices Project will be set up in 9 cities across Iowa, including the stop in Keokuk, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Thompson says all of the women involved used their real names and photos, even a couple who are in hiding.