Violence is often represented through its physical consequences. The bruises, the wounds, the visible evidence of suffering.

But what interests me is what remains beyond the surface.

These portraits were created several years ago with women and children who had experienced or witnessed domestic violence.

Before making a single photograph, I spent nearly three months visiting, getting to know them, and allowing trust and familiarity to develop. Particularly with the children, this was something that could never be rushed.

When the time came to photograph them, each session lasted no more than ten minutes.

Inspired by classical portraiture and the quiet intensity of chiaroscuro, I worked with simple compositions, light and shadow, allowing the faces and relationships to speak for themselves.

I wasn't interested in illustrating violence or recreating suffering.

I wanted to look deeper, beyond what is immediately visible, and create portraits that acknowledged the humanity of each person without defining them by what they had experienced.

Looking at these photographs today, I still see hardship. I still see vulnerability.

And perhaps that is what has stayed with me most.

Not everything we carry can be seen on the surface.