A SPECIAL art installation was exhibited outside York Minster to raise awareness of domestic violence.

As part of International Day for the Elimination of Violence, the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), commissioned the installation by Mim Robson on Tuesday, November 27.

On average, 100 women are killed each year by domestic abuse in the UK, and the exhibit represents a visual of what 100 really looks like, with 100 pairs of shoes laid out on the ground.

Flowers were attached to the shoes by the artist, Mim Robson, as a tribute to the 100 women.

She said: "I noticed the variation in shoes and it made me think of the diversity of women who are affected by domestic abuse, so I made each flower using different fabrics to represent that individuality and diversity."

An IDAS spokeswoman said: "During the first day of the installation in York, we had many thoughtful and emotional conversations with members of the public who visited the installation. We were also honoured to have a live reading from the poet, Hannah Davies, who used the words of domestic abuse survivors to write the installation poem ‘In Her Shoes’.

"Hannah surveyed survivors of domestic abuse and asked them how they felt and which words they’d use to describe their experiences of domestic abuse, which really led to some powerful answers which have been reflected in the poem. Our aim with this installation was to raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic abuse, promote our services to those that might be needing support, and encourage meaningful conversations throughout out community."

The installation will also be shown outside Selby Abbey on Tuesday, December 4.

*If you are affected by domestic violence, contact IDAS at idas.org.uk or on 03000 110110.