Mural highlights domestic abuse services

The colourful mural is wrapped around the former Oceana nightclub in Birmingham and was painted by Melita Berg (right)

A vibrant mural has highlighted how women can access services and support for victims of domestic abuse.

The 20m (65.6ft) mural in Birmingham's Southside District is wrapped around the former Oceana nightclub on the corner of Hurst Street and Smallbrook Queensway.

Local artist Melita Berg was chosen to paint the mural, which took her two weeks to create.

Ms Berg said: "The project means a great deal to me as I know abuse is often done in secret, so it could be your colleague, family member or a friend who is hiding their pain."

Ms Berg added: "As a woman painting in the street of a busy city centre, I was exposed to daily verbal abuse and attempts to intimidate me.

"This has made it even clearer that access to information about local services is essential for women’s safety and wellbeing."

The mural is part of the city council's Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign, funded by the Carter Center in the US.

They provided $10,000, which is approximately £7,900, for Ms Berg to bring her design to life.

Artist Melita Berg says she wants the mural to help women "speak up, to seek help, to open up or to walk away"

The Birmingham campaign focuses on domestic abuse support services, highlighting the importance of improving women’s access to information.

"I want for the mural to give the power back to the women - to speak up, to seek help, to open up or to walk away," Ms Berg added.

"No matter how big of a step you are ready to take, seeking information can be the first one. I hope local women feel empowered to seek advice.”

Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for social justice, community safety and equalities, said: "Whether it’s knowing where to go to online for help, how to access council services or to find support within their local communities – informed women can transform their lives."