A moving new exhibition exploring culture, identity, and the hidden realities of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) has opened in the heart of Liverpool.
Duality Vessels: Voices of Strength is the culmination of a creative project by Savera UK, a leading charity dedicated to ending harmful practices such as forced marriage, conversion ‘therapy’, and spiritual abuse.
The exhibition was officially opened earlier this month at the St George’s Hall Stable Gallery, situated within Café 1854, by local artists Omima, Shirley, and Faye.
Through a mix of photography, sculpture, and collage, the display brings visibility to forms of abuse often shrouded in silence and control.
The project, facilitated by Amina Bihi, aims to explore resilience and lived experience while challenging the public to recognise the signs of those in need of support.
During the launch, guests were welcomed by Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, with a reflection on the works provided by the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, Natalie Reeves Billing.
Voices of Strength: Art as a Universal Language
For the participants, the creative process served as a vital tool for expression, where words were sometimes insufficient.
Omima, one of the featured artists, explained:
“Art allows you to say things you are afraid to say or don’t feel comfortable saying.
“In this project, I found a way to express myself, even though English is not my first language.
“I didn’t have the words, but I had the feelings and art allowed me to express them.”
The collaborative environment of the Liverpool-based workshops provided a sanctuary for the women involved. Shirley, another participant, noted the “friendship circle” atmosphere that allowed her to build confidence and better understand how to become an ally to survivors.
Faye, an artist originally from London now living in Toxteth, added:
“The exhibition is about looking at abuse through the eyes of a survivor, but it’s mainly about a group of women going through their struggles through their art and connecting as women in a room.”
Ending the Silence on ‘Honour’-Based Abuse
Savera UK remains at the forefront of tackling HBA and other harmful practices, providing life-saving services regardless of a person’s background, gender, or sexuality.
The charity’s impact is significant; in the last year alone, Savera UK assisted 339 clients and handled nearly 700 calls to its national helpline.
By hosting this exhibition in a prominent Liverpool landmark like St George’s Hall, the charity continues its mission to provide help and advice for professionals while educating the wider public.
The exhibition is open to the public until Monday, 30 April 2026.
To further engage the community, a series of free events will take place at the gallery, including an immersive sound bath for women on Wednesday, 8 April and a specialised HBA workshop on Thursday, 16 April.
While these sessions are free to attend, booking is required due to limited space, and donations are welcome to support the charity’s ongoing work in the region.
