Livat Photography Exhibition by Survivors of Domestic Abuse

March 13, 2026

A powerful collection of photographs taken by women survivors of domestic abuse will be on public display in Hammersmith’s Livat centre from March 13th until the end of the month.

Women across London, supported by domestic abuse charity Advance, were invited to submit photos that hold a special meaning for them and the pictures they’ve taken speak to recovery, hope and freedom.

The Walking in her Shoes exhibition follows International Women’s Day (8th March) and will be a focal point for a fundraising drive to help women who are rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse and criminal justice involvement.

Donations made throughout the duration of the exhibition will go to Advance’s Emergency Fund which provides essentials that help women stay safe and keep moving forward.

Amy Glover, Director of Domestic Abuse services at Advance, said:

“This is a brilliant opportunity for the public to be able to come along and see the photographs taken by women supported by Advance. Photos that serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of survivors, and of the responsibility we all share to create lasting change.

“It is also a chance to raise public awareness of Advance and the long-term, community support we provide for women to recover from abuse and trauma, to improve resilience and self-esteem.

“The Emergency Fund is a vital aspect of Advance’s support services. Secure locks on a door. A voucher to buy food. Credit for a mobile phone – or even a phone itself.

“These are more than basics – they are items that can make all the difference to a woman experiencing domestic abuse, her survival and her chances of moving on from that situation to a safe place where she can rebuild her and her children’s lives.”

Anna Altenau Smith, Public Realm Executive at Hammersmith Bid, said:

“Through Hammersmith BID’s Women’s Safety Forum, we partner with local stakeholders to help ensure our city is safer for all. We’re delighted to be working with Advance and Livat to use a vacant unit to display Advance’s photographic exhibition, Walking in Her Shoes.”

Andrew Proctor, Community Engagement Lead at Livat Hammersmith, said:

“This powerful photographic exhibition highlights the vital work Advance undertakes to support women survivors of domestic abuse. Together, we are creating a space that raises awareness, inspires community engagement, and amplifies the voices of women whose stories deserve to be seen and heard.”

Sophie, who is supported by Advance’s West London Women’s Centre, shared what taking part in the exhibition means to her:

“The photographs I’ve taken [of various animals] catalogue my life experience of the past 2 years. I have gone from trauma, loss and confusion, to stability, greater self-understanding and acceptance, and above all, gratitude.

“Working closely around animals is a tonic that has enriched me, every day I make a new connection, and I find a reason to smile.”

Click here to make a contribution to Advance’s Emergency Fund and help provide urgent support for women who need it most >>> https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/advanceemergency2026

ENDS

Media enquiries

For more information, please contact Tracie Couper, Press Officer at Advance, at tracie.c@advancecharity.org.uk or on 0743 2700 287.

Notes

Advance’s specialist advocates work in partnership with 11 local and national women’s service providers, alongside statutory services to provide services within women’s communities across the 6 regions of Hampshire, Kent, Thames Valley, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire.
Through our woman-centred approach, we aim to prevent the cycle of re-offending, tackling issues such as lack of consistent housing and homelessness, domestic abuse and sexual violence, mental health, emotional well-being, parenting and family relationships, education training and employment, finance, benefits, and debt.

About Advance

- Advance’s vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, just and equal lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society. The charity works with women who experience domestic abuse to be safe and take control of their lives, and women who have committed crime or are at risk of offending to break the cycle.
- As well as providing direct support, Advance works with statutory services, government agencies and other women’s charities to ensure a holistic approach to the issues these women face.
- Women must be referred to Advance, via statutory services or the charity’s self-referral scheme. For more information about who Advance is able to support, please visit Get help
- For facts and statistics about domestic abuse and women in the criminal justice system, as well as Advance’s work, please visit Our impact