The shocking scars of verbal abuse

Rich Johnson's 'Weapon of Choice' photo project aims to raise awareness about the painful impact of verbal abuse. Photo: Richard Johnson/Spectacle Photo Source: Supplied

A PUNCH in the face is far more painful than a verbal taunt, right?

Not true, says photographer and founder of the 'Weapon of Choice' photo project, Richard Johnson.

His photo series uses a make-up artist to paint victims of verbal abuse with bruises and scars in the shape of the hurtful words thrown at them.

The 32-year-old New Jersey photographer told news.com.au he wanted to show the power of verbal abuse and provoke a conversation about the problems of domestic violence, child abuse, and bullying.

"There absolutely is not enough conversation on this subject," Mr Johnson said. "I was raised in a very poor household, with six other brothers and sisters.

Mr Johnson's stepfather frequently abused his mother and siblings.

"We were all exposed to every type of abuse, but verbal seemed to be by far the easiest and most frequent method.

"By keeping my mother verbally and mentally down he prevented her from being a witness that could do something to help her children and herself."

Photo: Richard Johnson/Spectacle Photo Source: Supplied

Mr Johnson posted a request for photo subjects on Facebook, asking for "children between the age of 5-17 for a quick shoot with little make-up for a series on verbal abuse."

"I was soon swamped with messages and phone calls from actual victims wanting to help in any way!" he said.

"When the shoot date arrived, the make-up artists and I came up with a list of words to help when the participants came in. [But] most of them brought their own.

"Some of the children in the series were not abused, but represented their parents as children. "Some had been directly affected by their word and until the shoot were embarrassed, but left motivated to speak up for others.

"They all came to stand up to this massive issue and wore the bruise like war paint! It was inspiring and life changing for me and my entire crew."

Here are some of the powerful images:

Photo: Richard Johnson/Spectacle Photo Source: Supplied

To find our more about the project visit hurtwords.com.

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