During Covid-19 mask-wearing was obligatory, with disposable masks in particular becoming synonymous with the pandemic. While an unsurprising scene at first glance, this photograph was an invite for the viewer to look a little closer.

Our story is told through the eyes of the female or in this case, the victim. Carefully focused lighting draws the viewers attention first to the female. As the light reflects off her eyes, we wanted to draw viewers to the panic, dismay and urgency in her eyes.

As the viewer looks closer, the mask takes on further form, unveiling the folds of the mask are indeed fingers of a hand that is placed over the victims mouth. A small section of a male’s arm features at the corner of the mask, reaffirming that the abuser is in fact present in the image and thus communicating the silent control domestic abusers hold over their victims.