CREATIVE writing produced by women who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence is being displayed in Keighley.

The work is on show at the town's library, alongside pieces by the Brontës, until the end of this month.

Bradford-based charity Staying Put worked with Dr Hannah Roche, of the University of York, and Professor Katy Mullin – based at the University of Leeds – to organise a series of workshops.

With survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, they discussed work by writers ranging from the Brontës to Bernardine Evaristo.

The texts helped women in the group to recognise signs and patterns of coercive control, and to 'process' their own experiences.

Participants then produced work themselves.

Dr Roche says: "When we have discussed extracts from Victorian novels, the women in the group have been surprised by how closely their own experiences reflect those of certain characters – Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, for example.

"The fact that a woman in 2024 can recognise herself and her experience in a novel from 1847 tells us just how long the behavioural patterns and timelines of coercive control have been established.

"Those who took part reported that reading and writing about coercive control, as well as acts of strength and solidarity, enabled them to access parts of trauma that 'felt stuck' and helped them move on and feel more confident and valued."

Professor Mullin said: "Working with survivors through Staying Put has been a learning experience for Hannah and me. We have gained a much deeper understanding of coercive control’s effects through listening to the women and reading their writing, and we have been moved by their courage and resilience."

The workshops now form part of Staying Put’s intervention and prevention provision for women in refuges.

Debbie Kester, digital communications manager at Staying Put, says: "Many of the women who come to the writing group are still feeling the effects of domestic abuse, even years after they have left the abuse behind.

"As part of the workshops, these brave women often discussed difficult topics, but they were given the confidence to share their thoughts and tap into their creative processes in an environment that was safe and respectful. So many times we heard women say ‘that could have been me’ or ‘that was my experience’ when reading work by published writers and each other."

For more about Staying Put and support, go to stayingput.org.uk