'Solidarity' project for victims of violence

The project was created to raise awareness of violence against women and girls

An art installation has been created to honour women who have been victims of violence.

Raising The Red consists of about 34 red dresses hanging on gates in Fishponds Park, all the way to St Mary's graveyard in Bristol. Each one tells a story of a woman affected by the issue.

The project was created by artist, writer and activist Ros Martin, to coincide with the United Nations' End Violence Against Women campaign.

Ms Martin said she hoped the project would "show an international sisterly solidarity".

The project was started in line with the UN's End Violence Against Women campaign

She says she was inspired after seeing the "spectacular" work of Indigenous Metis artist, Jaime Black, who hung red dresses in public spaces throughout Canada and the United States as a visual reminder of the number of women who have gone missing or died as a result of violence.

Ms Martin and a small group of local women began meeting at Crafted by Props, in Fishponds, where they decorated the garments for Raising the Red.

Their display also features statements from women, such as: "I have a right to travel home at night and be safe" and "I have a right to feel safe in my own home".

Placards are included to explain the project

"It gives quite a haunting effect," said Ms Martin.

“The garments get people to stop and think and hopefully engage and start conversations.

"We hope it will continue and people everywhere will be raising red dresses to mark the 16 days of action that the UN calls for around the world."

The project will be on display until 10 December.