Ethnic minority domestic violence survivors

A new exhibition by photographer Sonalle tells the stories of ethnic minority women who have survived domestic abuse. Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

"As an Indian female, I am aware of how domestic violence can often be accepted as a part of everyday life," says Sonalle. "I have discovered that the mentality of many women is to not question what happens to them so as not to 'shame' the family name." Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

"Most women wanted to remain anonymous and couldn't think of themselves in a positive light so they were asked to choose the most expressive part of their body, encouraging them to think positively about themselves," explains Sonalle. "They had complete control over the images chosen; working in digital allowed them to see the images immediately." Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

All the women Sonalle spoke to and photographed had gone on to seek advice and help about their situation. Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

"I thought that once I was married I should do what my husband wanted because that's how I had been brought up," this woman told Sonalle. Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

Maureen was locked in a room for six months; she did not want to give Sonalle any further details. Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

"She just kept going on and on and on until I gave in because I was getting migraines, headaches and stressed out," this woman recounted. Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

"His sister suggested to ignore what he was doing and concentrate on me and the baby," this woman told Sonalle. "He strangled me on many occasions and stole money from me, so it wasn't easy to ignore what he was doing." Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle

Sonalle's work goes on show at Housmans Bookshop, Kings Cross, London, from tomorrow until June, before moving to Stratford Library, east London, in July and the Brady Arts Centre, Tower Hamlets, in August. Photograph: Sonalle/Sonalle