Photographer Richard Johnson of Spectacle Photo has a powerful series called ‘Weapon of Choice’ that highlights the pain caused by hurtful words.
In his photographs, victims of emotional, sexual and verbal abuse are depicted with the labels hurled at them like “stupid”, “useless” and “mistake” written on their faces and bodies, along with markings applied with make-up that look like bruises.
Johnson hopes they will enable people to better visualize how words have the power to inflict trauma on others, as well as give a voice to people who have been abused.
By forcing viewers to acknowledge an issue that often goes undetected or is simply brushed aside, he holds up a mirror to society that reveals the ugly reality.
The project is particularly meaningful to Johnson as he has experienced physical and emotional abuse in the past.
Check out some of the photos below and find out more about the project at its website and on Facebook.
[via Fstoppers, images via Weapon of Choice]