Shane and Maggie: Documenting a violent relationship

[Brickbat]

I had been photographing a couple, Shane and Maggie, since September. I had originally intended the story to center on their struggles trying to make ends meet, as Shane has a lengthy criminal record that has prevented him from obtaining steady employment.

One night, Shane and Maggie got into a fight, and Shane began to physically abuse Maggie, slamming her up against walls and choking her in front of her two-year-old daughter, Memphis. He had taken our cellular phones, so I reached into his pocket and steal my phone back when he was distracted. I handed my phone to another adult who was in the house,and instructed them to call the police.

I then continued to document the abuse. In that moment, my instincts as a photojournalist kicked in. I knew I had to stay with the story and document it in all of its ugly truth. I have continued to follow Maggie since the abuse, and am producing a multimedia piece as well as a still series.

ETA: There are intense images of abuse as it's happening at the link. If you are triggered by such images, please use your own discretion before you click through.

http://www.fotovisura.com/user/Saranaomiphoto/view/shane-and-maggie-3

[derby378]

1. Maggie made a bad decision that could have ended much, much worse

ChickMagic, my wife, was beaten by her first husband, who died in 2000, the same year we got married. The only time I ever laid a hand on her was to let her know that I loved her.

[handmade34]

2. rare

to get photos... I used to shelter abused women (through a local women's organization). The stories are endless and sad. ...very disheartening the number of women that came back after returning to the abuser, only to be abused again


further evidence the work we need to do

[Brickbat]

3. Kick.